The School Performance Framework: What Is Really Being Measured?

• In Event: Division H Graduate Student Structured Poster Session

Abstract

School Performance Framework (SPF) ratings are a high-stakes measure of school quality in Colorado. These ratings are calculated using a complex scoring scheme involving disaggregation and weighting. Prior research suggests that complex scoring schemes can statistically disadvantage demographically diverse schools and distort conclusions drawn. I investigate (1) whether SPF ratings can be accurately predicted using a simpler, ordered logit model and (2) whether demographic variables are predictive of SPF ratings above and beyond academic indicators. Preliminary results suggest that about 28% of the time, an ordered logit model predicts different category ratings than does the SPF formula. Findings from these analyses will help to inform the use and improvement of the SPF rating system in years to come.

Author

• Kaitlin Mork, University of Colorado - Boulder