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California School Dashboard

More information at your fingertips to understand how your schools are doing.


California has launched a new online resource that gives families and community members a better idea of how our public schools are performing. At Folsom Cordova, we want to make sure everyone who has a stake in the quality of our schools understands how to use this resource to make informed decisions.
 
Remember the Academic Performance Index, or API? The single number, based primarily on test scores, that for years we used to rate and rank public schools? That’s gone.   The new system, called the California School Dashboard, doesn’t rely just on test scores to tell you how a school is doing. It also gives you detailed information on graduation rates, suspension rates, English learner progress, and more. Are schools that have challenges making changes to improve student success? Are historically high-performing schools improving outcomes for all students? The dashboard gives you much more information to help answer those questions. Please use this website - its videos, resources, and answer to common questions - to learn more about the new state website. Then take some time in the driver’s seat to explore Folsom Cordova schools!   QUICK START: VIDEO TUTORIAL

California School Dashboard from Orange County Dept. of Education on Vimeo.

Why a new system and new tool?
The Dashboard is a key part of California's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. California's future success depends on tapping into the potential of all students, so they graduate ready for college, careers and life. For schools to reach this goal, teachers, parents and the community need clear and useful measures of progress. As an accountability tool, the Dashboard will help the state identify schools (including charter schools) and districts needing targeted assistance.
What’s different?
In the past, accountability systems for districts and schools relied solely on test scores. But one test taken on one particular day doesn't provide a complete picture of all the ways schools are helping students succeed. 
State Indicators
  Think of it this way: You can’t drive a car by only watching the speedometer. You also keep your eye on the road, check the mirrors, monitor the gas tank and pay attention if the engine light comes on. Similarly, the Dashboard provides information on different aspects of student performance, which will give a more complete picture of a school’s progress. The Dashboard also reports on growth to show a school’s trajectory over time.
What’s next?
The Dashboard is deliberately designed to be a work in progress: Metrics and reports will be added over time. During the field testing phase, the state will be gathering feedback to make additional modifications.  
Rubric
The exciting changes taking place in education will take time to fully implement. While schools are making progress in many key areas there is always more work to do. The Dashboard is part of an ongoing conversation with our community on both how we're doing and how we can do better.          RESOURCES Frequently Asked Questions, from California Department of Education: