California Student Growth Data

California's Student Growth Data

Growth is a way of measuring student progress over time on their statewide assessment scores in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics (math) from one grade level to the next. Growth is different from achievement. Achievement—such as a single assessment score—shows us how much students know at the time of the assessment. Growth on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard) was not developed specifically to look at individual students. However, in California's accountability system, average student growth can provide a picture of average growth for students within a school, local educational agency, or student group.

The California Department of Education (CDE) published growth results on the 2024 Dashboard and released growth performance categories for local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and student groups on the 2025 Dashboard.

How Do We Measure Student Growth in California on the Dashboard

California’s student growth methodology uses the statewide Smarter Balanced results from students in grades four through eight in both ELA and math. Students who take assessments outside of these grades, or those that take the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) are not included in the measurement.

The first step in calculating individual student growth scores for a subject area (ELA or Math) is to determine the student’s expected test score. The expected test score is determined by looking at students who had similar test scores in the previous grade and then evaluating their typical test scores in the current year. Once expected test scores are determined for each student, the difference between student's expected test scores and their actual test scores are compared to arrive at their individual growth scores.

These individual scores are averaged for students at the district, school, and student group levels, using either a simple average—when there are large numbers of students, or a weighted average— when there are small numbers of students.

For a complete and in-depth technical review of the growth model methodology, please view the Additional Resources made available at the end of this web page.

History of the California Growth Model

Since 2015, California has invested significant time and effort in developing a student growth model that is valid, reliable, and fair. California conducted a thorough and thoughtful process of selecting the model that best meets California's needs. On May 12, 2021, the State Board of Education (SBE) approved a student-level growth model using grades four through eight growth scores. The development and adoption of this growth model was accomplished due to the valuable input from a broad range of stakeholders, and the expertise of the CDE's assessment vendor, Educational Testing Service (ETS), and the Technical Design Group (TDG).

Growth Data Toolkit

Growth Data FAQs - Commonly asked questions about Growth Data.

Growth Data Flyer (PDF) - Understanding California's Student Growth Data.

District of Residence flyer (PDF) - The District of Special Education Accountability rule is applied to all state indicators. Download this flyer to learn more.

Videos

• What is California’s Student Growth Model? (Video; 3:24)
  This video provides an overview of California's Student Growth Model. It describes the development, usefulness and timeline of future data releases.
• Modelo de Crecimiento del Alumno en California (Video; 4:47)
  Este video proporciona una visión general del Modelo de Crecimiento del Alumno en California. Describe el desarrollo, la utilidad y el cronograma de futuras publicaciones de datos.

Additional Resources

Downloadable Data Files: Student Growth Data - Access statewide LEA, school, and student group Student Growth Data results.

Recent State Board Items and Memos

• July 2025 SBE Item(DOCX) includes decisions on the number of performance category levels and cut scores.
• January 2025 SBE Item(DOCX) includes the 2025 Workplan for incorporation of student level growth scores into the Dashboard.
• February 2021 SBE Information Memorandum(DOCX) includes the final technical report from ETS on the student growth model and recommendations for criteria for determining the assignment of the Empirical Best Linear Prediction Model (EBLP) or simple average.
• May 2021 SBE Item(DOCX) includes detailed information on the approved growth model methodology and the aggregated growth scores for student groups at the LEA and school-levels.
• October 2021 SBE Information Memorandum(DOCX) includes a progress report on ongoing work on the Student Growth Model as of October 2021.
• February 2022 SBE Information Memorandum(DOCX) includes the overview of research conducted by the CDE on the development of a data report or display to combine English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) levels with academic growth scores.

Growth Data Releases

• December 2025:
  • Release of average growth scores for LEA, schools, and student groups for ELA and math on the 2025 Dashboard and a downloadable file with average growth results based on assessment results from the 2022-23, 2023-24, and the 2024-25 school years.
• January 2025:
  • Released average LEA, school, and student group growth score data for ELA and math (2021-22, 2022-23, and the 2023-24) on the 2024 Dashboard.
• 2021:
  • Released aggregate LEA, school, and student group growth score data (from 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19) for informational purposes only to assist educational partners to prepare for the operational release of the growth model in future years.
  • Released Student Growth Toolkit to support understanding of California’s Student Growth data.