This means that we measure the academic growth of our students over a specific period of time, Our student assessment system emphasizes continuous improvement. It also empowers parents, teachers, principals, and school communities with more information about the performance of individual students as well as overall school performance. Student achievement data is used to measure school performance. But, more than that, the data is also used as a tool by teachers. It places accountability at the classroom level where teachers can make decisions about how to change their teaching in order to enhance student learning and improve achievement.
Accountability goes beyond test scores in Milwaukee.
Our schools are also held accountable by parents. This is measured through the school choices parents are able to make in Milwaukee's broad education market place. School allocations are based on enrollment. If parents are not satisfied with the quality of the educational program being provided and the level of progress their children are achieving, they can and do choose to send their children to another school. We are already seeing the benefits of giving schools additional flexibility.