Using Piecewise Growth Models to Estimate Student Learning During and Between School Enrollments

• In Event: Advances in Longitudinal Modeling

Abstract

Abstract (117 words)

In the proposed paper we use piecewise multilevel growth (PMG) models to analyze changes in literacy skills throughout first grade, summer break, and second grade. Ninety-nine of the 484 students in the sample who were lower performing students attended summer school. We evaluated the effects of instruction in a three-piece PMG model and the seasonal variation in student learning with a five-piece PMG model. Many accountability models hold schools responsible for 12 months of student learning using longitudinal models that only assess annually. Results showed significant effects of schooling on growth and revealed variations in trajectories for in-school versus out-of-school time periods. PMG modeling methods will be demonstrated and implications for analytic modeling and accountability methods discussed.

Authors

• Joseph J. Stevens, University of Oregon

• Keith Zvoch, University of Oregon