The Iowa Department of Education has released its 2023-24 Iowa School Performance Profile scores – these profiles are a measure of schools across the state based on several data sources. The purpose of this email is to share our district’s scores, celebrate our success and provide additional information about how DCG CSD will use this data moving forward.
Understanding the Iowa School Performance Profile Rating System
The Iowa School Performance Profile uses six rating categories as listed below:
- Exceptional
- High Performing
- Commendable
- Acceptable
- Needs Improvement
- Priority
The Iowa Department of Education builds its rating on core indicators such as state assessment results (ISASP), chronic absenteeism, and for high school (grades 9-12), graduation rates and postsecondary readiness.
DCG CSD Performance Profile Highlights
- Dallas Center-Grimes CSD is one of only two districts in Iowa to have two schools receive an “exceptional” designation. There are a total of 16 Iowa schools in this category (1.25% of all schools).
- Dallas Center-Grimes CSD placed three schools in the top two categories – “exceptional” and “high performing” – representing the top 13.5% of scores in the state.
Understanding Key Performance Areas
DCG CSD is performing above the statewide average in several of the key benchmark areas.
- Graduation Rate – DCG’s score is 10% above the state average.
- Proficiency in Math – DCG’s score is 11% above the state average.
- Proficiency in English Language Arts – DCG’s score is 12% above the state average.
- Proficiency in Science – DCG’s score is 10% above the state average.
- Post-secondary Readiness (college credit) – DCG’s score is 19% above the state average.
- Chronic Absenteeism – DCG’s score is below the state average by 6%.
Additional Factors in Performance Profile Designations
There are additional layers to the performance profile designations that can reflect performance gaps among specific student groups. (English Language learners, students with disabilities, students from racial/ethnic minority groups, etc.). These indicators are scored on a building-by-building basis. When a target destination is given for a student group, the school is automatically dropped one full category. Many schools in Iowa received a targeted designation, including two at DCG. Our district remains committed to analyzing the data of these designations and identifying areas of growth moving forward.
Takeaways from Performance Profile Results
As you can see in this outline, DCG CSD has a lot to celebrate and we encourage all of our stakeholders to be proud of the work we are accomplishing together.
It’s important to note that an overall school rating does not provide contextual information about a school. They do not measure the passion and dedication that our educators bring to the building each and every day.
This data will provide our team with essential information which is crucial to the continual growth mindset that we pride ourselves on. We will use this data to have important conversations between educators, administrators and parents about the work that is currently underway in our schools to support all students in achieving their full potential.
The School Performance Profiles are important, but they are only one of several indicators that we use to share a full picture of who we are and what we do at DCG.
At DCG – 86% of our high school students participate in at least one extracurricular activity and 60% of students participate in at least two.
At DCG – our students and families speak 21 languages.
At DCG – we had four National Merit Semifinalists in 2022 (a district record).
At DCG – 36 DCG High School students participate in our school-to-work program (the most students in program history).
Dr. Greg Carenza, DCG Associate Superintendent of School Improvement, provided additional context to the Iowa School Performance Profiles at last night’s DCG School Board Meeting. Click here to watch – Dr. Carenza’s discussion begins at the 27:25 mark. Click here to view the Iowa School Performance Profile database. We encourage all DCG stakeholders to take a look at these rankings – but please know we are tireless in our pursuit of positive educational outcomes for ALL of our students.