Teaching, Learning, and Serving

Goal: Increase the number of Nebraskans who are ready for success in postsecondary education, career, and civic life.

Strategy:

Use assessments to measure, to improve student achievement, and to inform instruction.

Measures of Progress:

Measure 3.B.1. Utilizing baseline data from the ACT, long-term goals will be developed for 11th grade achievement, including goals for subgroups, by 2018 [original 6.1].

Measure 3.B.2. Implement a balanced assessment system to measure achievement and growth in grades 3–8 that meets the requirements of federal and state law and is timely for instructional purposes, by 2020 [original 6.2].

Aspirational Measures of Success:

Measure TLS.2. The percent of Nebraska students in grades 3–8 and 11 proficient in reading will increase from 79% to 89%, by 2026 [original 6.3].

Measure TLS.3. The percent of Nebraska students in grades 3–8 and 11 proficient in math will increase from 72% to 82%, by 2026 [original 6.4].

Measure TLS.4. The percent of Nebraska students in grades 3–8 and 11 proficient in science will increase from 72% to 82%, by 2026 [original 6.5].

ESSA calls for each state to establish “ambitious long-term goals and measurements of interim progress” for each accountability indicator. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) aligned these long-term goals with those established in the strategic plan.

In the ESSA plan, the NDE outlined goals and benchmarks for all students and all major subgroups of students including students of color, students with disabilities, and students who are economically disadvantaged.

Overall, Nebraska seeks to reduce the number of non-proficient students in each subgroup by at least 50 percent in 10 years. The NDE is also proposing a set of Challenge or Stretch goals to accelerate the closing of achievement gaps.

If the Department notes student progress exceeding the 50 percent reduction model, then the NDE may consider using Challenge Goals as the state’s long-term goals.

Assessment system is in place: Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS).

In 2017-2018 achievement is measureable in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.
In 2017-2018, growth is measureable in grades 4-8 in English Language Arts.
In 2018-2019, growth will be measureable in grades 4-8 in mathematics.
In 2017-2018, every district except one is administering MAP Growth in one grade at elementary school and one at middle school.

Use of MAP contributes to the timely use of assessment data for instructional purposes. Individual student learning goals in the MAP learning continuum are aligned with Nebraska State Standards to which statewide summative assessments are also aligned.

Sixty-five certified trainers are being provided professional development in assessment literacy and use of MAP data to improve instruction. Every Educational Service Unit has at least one certified trainer. Several of the largest districts in the state also have at least one certified trainer.

Statewide assessment results for Reading are no longer available due to the recent implementation of new standards for English, Language Arts. As such, the following provides updates as to proficiency status for English, Language Arts (ELA).

Percent Proficient - NeSA ELA

Data Years	All Grades
2016-2017	51%

Note: data source Nebraska Education Profile (NEP)

Percent Proficient - ACT ELA

Data Years	11^th Grade
2016-2017	52.21%

Note: data source Nebraska Education Profile (NEP)