NJ's New Reformy School Report Cards: Peer Grouping Mysteries
The reformies at the NJDOE, little data maniacs that they are, have released a brand new format for the annualSchool Performance Reports. In the old days, good test scores meant you were a good school - no longer:
We'll get to each of the categories later this week, but let's start with this idea of a "peer group." What is that,
The new reports include the usual information on state test results and high school graduation and dropout rates. But the first page provides what Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said is what most parents want to know: how their school achievement compares with other “peer” schools, and whether the school is doing a good job preparing students for college and careers.
“All the action is on the front page,” Cerf said in a media webinar on the new reports Tuesday. [emphasis mine]It certainly is: here's an example of the first table you'll see in your local school's report:
We'll get to each of the categories later this week, but let's start with this idea of a "peer group." What is that,