The Regents are moving forward to seek public comment and federal approval for an interim "growth model" to measure student progress for accountability under No Child Left Behind.

At their September meeting, the state Board of Regents agreed to send a preliminary proposal to the U.S. Education Department and scheduled several public forums around the state through late September and October.

The model is required to be developed and submitted for approval by USED by the start of the current school year under Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2007. The interim model would give schools "credit" for student improvement on existing state assessments for students scoring at levels 1 and 2.

The Regents agreed the interim growth model would not be used to add schools to the "needs improvement" list. It would solely be used to help schools make Adequate Yearly Progress under the NCLB and avoid sanctions.

"It's an additional safe harbor," said David Abrams, an assistant commissioner who oversees state assessments. "Many schools have been wanting to get credit if they are making legitimate growth."

The proposed interim growth model is intended to recognize improved student performance and efforts to close achievement gaps. State Education Commissioner Richard Mills noted the plan shares features with other states' growth models that the federal Education Department has already approved. Schools would receive credit for all students who are proficient and also for all students on track to proficiency.

According to the proposed model, every student below proficiency (those who score at Level 1 or 2 on grade 3-8 exams) would be given a scaled score to reach proficiency. For example, a student scoring 623 in grade 4 would be expected to reach proficiency (650) by grade 7. The difference between 650 and 623 (27) would be divided by the three years. Therefore, the student's growth would be expected to be 9 points each year to reach proficiency.

For purposes of calculating Adequate Yearly Progress, schools would receive full credit for any student who scores either proficient or above or who is deemed to be on track for proficiency.

Mills noted that the growth model, if approved by USED, would apply to student scores on January and March 2009 grade 3-8 assessments. It wouldn't require any changes at the school level and there wouldn't need to be any changes to current state tests.

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira has worked closely with SED to ensure the development of a state growth model is not another way to sanction schools — but to support schools in demonstrating AYP. "There are some positives to this interim growth model, however, many questions need more discussion and resolution," Neira said. In addition, the Regents are requesting more information about using the growth model to measure continuous improvement for students who are currently proficient (Level 3 and 4). At their October meeting, the Regents will modify the interim growth model proposal to USED based on the feedback at upcoming public forums.

"We encourage members to attend so that the practitioner's voice can impact the final plan," Neira said. Public forums scheduled so far:

• Sept. 26: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Questar III BOCES Conference Center, Castleton.
• Sept. 29: 9 a.m. to noon, Wheatley Center, Wheatley Heights.
• Oct. 8: 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. RIT Conference Center, West Henrietta.
• Oct. 10: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ausable Middle/High School, Clintonville.
• Oct. 15: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Putnam- Northern Westchester BOCES Yorktown Campus.

A date for New York City has not been set.

- Sylvia Saunders