You may have recently seen the media coverage of the results of the Nebraska statewide assessment and accountability information for public schools and districts. The NSCAS, or Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System, is the statewide assessment system for students in grades 3-8. Eleventh graders take the ACT as part of NSCAS testing. There is also a statewide accountability system referred to as AQuESTT which classifies schools and districts as Excellent, Great, Good, and Needs Support to Improve. Assessment scores and accountability classifications are updated annually, typically being released right around Thanksgiving. I am proud to tell you that Millard Public Schools is classified as an Excellent school district.
As both the superintendent and as a parent, I certainly agree we are an excellent school district. Our students regularly score well on NSCAS and ACT. For example, in grades 3-8, we are performing 14% above the state average in math and 13% above in English Language Arts (ELA). At the high school level, our students are performing 20% above the state average in ELA, 16% above in math, and 18% above in science. And, as a state, we have much to celebrate as well. We perform well above national averages on nearly every measure, especially when you account for the high percentage of students taking the ACT.
While state assessments and accountability results are certainly important, they are a narrow snapshot in time of student achievement. Context also matters when thinking about the performance levels of Millard and Nebraska students. In other words, a number is just a number that has little meaning unless you know what it represents. For instance, in the game of basketball, even the greatest shooters typically have a much lower shooting percentage on a three-point shot than a free throw. This intuitively makes sense because it is a much more difficult shot. The same logic can also hold true for assessments and accountability. Nebraska has very high thresholds for a student to be deemed proficient. The high expectations are a source of strength for our state, but can also create confusion when stakeholders review the results without this context.
It’s also important to note that the accountability classification system, AQuESTT, is heavily influenced by once a year test results. While we do well in these areas - as is evidenced by our Excellent rating - this is a narrow view of the work we do to serve students. For example, in Millard, we have a view that extends beyond state accountability assessment scores to judge student progress and improvement. It begins with a balanced assessment system which includes other measures of learning such as the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and curriculum and classroom based assessments. We also have robust academic and activity programs which we view as an important part of the school experience. We pride ourselves on being a district of opportunities for students.
So, yes, we are proud to be an excellent district in the Nebraska accountability system. Our students achieve. We have excellent schools, students, staff, and families, and are grateful to have strong community support. We also have a broader aspiration for excellence than our state accountability system captures. This is what drives us forward and is the basis for our continuous improvement focus through our strategic plan. Hopefully, this is a helpful perspective the next time you see a news article about state assessment and accountability. The context matters to understand what it all truly means.
The semester has gone quickly. Thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and trust in our schools. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
