On the other hand, some schools with low test scores may produce gains that are below the USA norm gains, which moves these schools even further below performance goals. The value-added assessment data in the report card supplements provides a detailed picture of the achievement in each school and school system. This year's reports contain the three-year cumulative gains for two consecutive reporting years so it is easier to see whether student performance is moving in the right direction. A standard error is provided in parentheses next to each estimated mean gain and each three-year average gain calculation. The standard error makes it easier to tell whether or not a change in gain scores is due to chance or testing error or actual progress.
Color coding flags the type of progress or lack of progress that is being made.
This calculation, which is printed below the gains reported for each subject, shows whether or not a school that had problem areas is making needed improvements. By law, the results from the Value-Added Assessments are published each year in the 21st Century Schools Report Card Supplements as part of the overall accountability process for public education.