The data sgp package is used to calculate student growth percentiles and percentile growth projections/trajectories using large scale, longitudinal education assessment data. The package utilizes derived coefficient matrices and quantile regression to provide student-specific predictions of future achievement. Ultimately, this allows users to determine if a student is likely to reach or maintain proficiency based upon the students previous achievement history.
To use the data sgp package, one must have the R software environment installed on their computer. R is available for Window, OSX and Linux and is free, open source software. It is recommended that you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with R before diving into running SGP analyses.
In order to perform SGP analyses, the student-level assessment data in WIDE or LONG format must be available. Most errors associated with SGP analyses are related to poor data preparation and it is critical that thorough and accurate preparation be performed before performing any SGP analysis.
The sgpData set is an anonymized, panel data set that provides 5 years of annual, vertically scaled student assessment data in the WIDE format. This exemplar data set models the format of the data required for use with the lower level studentGrowthPercentiles and studentGrowthProjections functions.
In addition to the sgpData set, this package includes higher level functions (abcSGP and updateSGP) that simplify the code needed to execute basic and advanced growth projection analyses. The sgpData_INSTRUCTOR_NUMBER lookup table is also included which contains instructor details associated with every student test record.
Data SGP combines the student-level information in the Star report with the results from SGP to provide detailed predictions of student progress. The results are presented in the form of a table which contains both current and projected scores for each of the statewide assessments and content areas. These results are compared to a range of prior students to provide an estimate of how far a student will have to travel to reach proficiency. The table is sorted in descending order by the student-level projections so that the highest priority issues are displayed first.
The data sgp package has been designed to be flexible enough to be used by teachers of all levels of experience. The documentation and vignettes provide thorough explanations of the calculations and processes used by the SGP package. Educators are encouraged to take the time to become familiar with the data sgp package before conducting any operational analyses. Should any questions arise while using the SGP package, it is recommended that educators contact SGP support for assistance. This will ensure that SGP analyses are executed accurately and effectively. SGP is a powerful tool that can help educators make informed decisions about their students’ educational needs. With the right tools, educators can help students reach their full potential and realize lifelong learning goals. SGP can be used in conjunction with the Star Growth Report and other district systems to make data-driven decisions about instruction. The data sgp package is an invaluable resource for any educator.