For elementary and middle schools, the guide details how the State calculates proficiency in English Language Arts and Math, but crucially, it also explains the "Growth" metric. This is a vital distinction; under older systems, a school could be failing even if it helped a student jump three grade levels in one year because they were still "below grade level." The Technical Guide outlines how Iowa rewards that growth, ensuring schools are credited for moving students forward, not just hitting a static benchmark.
Schools are identified for different levels of support based on their overall index scores: iowa school performance profiles technical guide
| Indicator | Elementary/Middle School Weight | High School Weight | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 22.5% | 22.5% | | 2. Student Growth (Typical & Conditional) | 22.5% | 22.5% | | 3. Graduation Rate (4 & 5 year) | N/A | 22.5% | | 4. English Language Proficiency (ELP) | 5% | 5% | | 5. Post-Secondary Readiness | N/A | 22.5% | | Participation Rate (All Students) | 2.5% | 2.5% | | Wellness & Conditions for Learning | 2.5% | 2.5% | For elementary and middle schools, the guide details
School performance ratings are calculated by combining the weighted and indexed indicators. The IDOE uses a 1-5 rating system, with 5 being the highest rating. The ratings are: Student Growth (Typical & Conditional) | 22
Tracking the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year.