More than a Score

School districts across Missouri are preparing for the release of multiple reports regarding performance and data in the coming weeks. It is our goal to keep our parents, guardians, stakeholders and community members informed about those reports, what they mean, what they don't mean, and attempt to clarify any points of confusion.

The first report we anticipate seeing is the designation of a district letter grade A-F. This comes from a new grading system ordered by Governor Kehoe. It is important to note that DESE is still finalizing what data goes into the calculation of the grade, that the framework is expected to change over time and that the initial grade will be based on data from two years ago (24-25 school year).

The next report, scheduled to be released the first week of November, is the Annual Performance Report. This is an established evaluative practice through DESE that has been in place for several years. The data used to calculate the APR is from the 25-26 school year.

Below, you will find additional information regarding each of these anticipated district reports. Of course, should you have additional questions or seek clarification, you are always encouraged to reach out to the school directly.

You can have confidence in our teachers and district staff’s commitment to continuous improvement. We regularly evaluate student progress, examine our practices, and make adjustments to better serve our students. That work happens every day, regardless of the grade or score we receive. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in South Callaway schools.

• Student achievement data used to calculate the letter grade is from two years ago (24-25 school year)
• A–F focuses on student results. It considers state assessment performance and student learning growth. High school grades also include graduation rates and measures of college and career readiness.
• Shortened timelines don't allow for district to make appeals if DESE data is incorrect
• A second letter grade will be released in the spring based on 25-26 data (that means the district will receive two different letter grades, based on two different data sets, within the same school year)
• Grade level determinations could potentially be released to the media before school districts are given time to analyze/strategize/communicate (due to the State Board of Education having first access)

• DESE’s yearly report on how schools and districts are meeting state expectations based on 25-26 data
• APR considers results and the systems supporting improvement. Along with academic performance, growth, and readiness measures, it includes attendance, improvement planning, and other district responsibilities.It looks at readiness for the future: Including graduation rates, college and career preparation, and what students do after high school.
• APR calculation specifics can change from year to year, but the general framework remains the same
• District accreditation is determined by multiple years of APR scores

• Student attendance
• Dual credit offerings
• MAP/EOC student performance
• Communication
• Teacher certification and professional development
• Special program opportunities
• Individual student achievement/growth
• Vocational opportunities / earning industry recognized credentials
• Early literacy iniatives

• Community involvement
• Parent/guardian support
• Generational pride, tradition, school spirit
• Dedicated teachers/staff
• Establishment of life long relationships
• Outreach/support for those in need
• District initiatives focused on growth
• The value our community places on education
• Celebrating ALL students and recognizing success doesn't look the same for everyone