The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) generates a School Report Card and District Report Card for every publicly funded school and district in the state. These public report cards can be found online at: http://dpi.wi.gov/accountability/report-cards. The Report Cards are intended to help schools and districts utilize performance data to target their improvement efforts so that students are ready for their next educational step.
Schools and districts receive a score for each of the four priority areas:
•Student Achievement proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics on the annual state assessments
•School Growth measured by year-to-year progress in ELA and math achievement
•Closing Gaps in performance between specific student groups (comparing English learners, low-income students, students with disabilities, and members of a racial or an ethnic group with their peers)
•On-Track and Postsecondary Readiness showing reliable predictors of how many students are on-track to graduate from high school and student readiness for post-high school success
The priority area scores are aggregated into an overall accountability score, from 0 to 100. This score is displayed in the top left corner of the School or District Report Cards. It is important to note that the 0 to 100 accountability score is not a “percent correct” measurement. Based on its score, a school or district receives one of five rating categories, from Significantly Exceeds Expectations to Fails to Meet Expectations, as well as corresponding one to five stars.
The Merrill Area Public Schools (MAPS) district again met expectations set forth by the state on the 2017-2018 report card and improved the overall score as a district.
The Bridges Virtual Academy exceeded expectations again this year, solidifying its status as one of the highest rated virtual schools in Wisconsin. Merrill High School, Prairie River Middle School, Kate Goodrich Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Maple Grove Charter all met expectations. Of note, both Merrill High School and Kate Goodrich moved up a category from the previous year.
Although Jefferson Elementary School did not meet expectations, their overall score trended strongly upward by almost seven points from the previous year.
“We consistently maintain strong focus on the academic achievement of the Merrill students we serve,” said Dr. John Sample, MAPS Superintendent. “While we are pleased with the improvement trend in our district, we aspire to higher levels of student performance.”
“Our investment in professional development, combined with a dedicated staff and supportive families, will pay dividends for our learners,” commented Gerald Beyer, Director of Curriculum and Instruction. “Merrill Area Public Schools is committed to improving student learning data, responding to the needs of our school and business community, and preparing all students for career readiness. As always, families of MAPS students are encouraged to remain mindful of all learning data provided by your teacher, school and district.”