Data SGP is a free software tool that is part of the R statistical analysis package. It is designed to analyze educational assessment data, although it can be used with any type of statistical data. It has numerous online resources to assist users in learning how to use it. It can be run from the command line or as a Python script.
The software enables users to perform complex data analytics tasks such as producing student growth percentiles, creating student cohort graphs and generating teacher performance profiles. It also includes features for importing and exporting data. The tool is available for Windows, Mac OSX and Linux and is open source. It requires a computer with access to a MySQL database. It is compatible with both WIDE and LONG format data sets, although for operational use it is recommended to use the LONG format as it offers significant preparation and storage benefits.
In order to perform SGP analyses, the user must first import or create a MySQL database that contains both WIDE and LONG format data sets. A SQL statement is then executed to load the data from the databases into the SGP software program. The SGP software will then generate the necessary reports and graphics for the user. The tool also allows users to save the results to a file or to a web page for further review.
The SGP software is designed to allow teachers to identify areas where students are struggling, as well as to determine what types of instructional practices will lead to greater success for all learners. It is an important tool for teachers to have in their arsenal, as it helps them to evaluate student achievement and to measure progress towards academic goals. It also helps educators understand how much students need to improve in order to reach grade level standards.
An SGP profile for a student is determined by the most recent Star assessment and one prior test from another testing window (Fall, Winter or Spring). It compares the student’s score to those of their academic peers nationwide. This profile can then be compared to achievement targets or other goals the school has established.
A mean SGP for a particular teacher is calculated by averaging the individual SGPs for that teacher’s students. For example, if a sixth grade teacher’s SGP is 51 then this indicates that her students performed better than the average of the top 51 percent of similar students across the state.
The SGP is not meant to be a replacement for value-added scores, which are required by state law and used in the school accountability system to measure student academic growth. Instead, the SGP is intended to complement other measures of student achievement and inform the ongoing work of educators throughout the state. By incorporating the SGP into its overall accountability structure, the Wisconsin Department of Education is ensuring that it provides all stakeholders with the most complete picture of student performance possible.