To help illustrate the difference between achievement and growth, consider an analogy of measuring a child's height. Every year, during a child's wellness check, the pediatrician measures the child's height. This measurement captures a moment in time, similar to achievement. We can compare that child's single height measurement against a benchmark, or against their peers, to put their current height into context. However, if we want to measure the child's growth, we have to compare that measurement against the child's own prior history. By looking across years, we can identify patterns of growth for that particular child and understand if the child is growing as expected. Both measures provide valuable information about a child's holistic physical development.

Similarly, by measuring students' academic achievement and growth, educators and families can have a more comprehensive picture of students' progress toward academic success. Some key differences include:

• Measures a student's performance at one single point in time
• Is typically compared to a benchmark to determine proficiency
• Is often correlated with a student's demographics and background
• Is critical to a student's post-secondary opportunities

• Measures changes in a student's performance across time
• Compares student performance to the student's own prior performance
• Is typically not related to a student's demographics
• Is critical throughout schooling to ensure a student's ongoing academic success

In Tennessee, achievement is measured through the statewide assessment system. These assessments are designed to measure proficiency in the academic standards that are expected for each subject and grade or course. Achievement data from the following statewide assessments is reported through the TVAAS application:

• English language arts, math, science, and social studies
• EOCs in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology I, English I, English II, English III, U.S. History, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and Integrated Math III
• ACT
• Advanced Placement (AP) in English Language and Composition, English Literature, U.S. Government, U.S. History, Human Geography, Biology, Psychology, World History, and Statistics (for projections only)

In Tennessee, growth is measured using a set of statistical analyses referred to as “value-added” modeling. This approach is designed to measure the academic growth rates of students in districts, schools, and classrooms from one point in time to the next by comparing their exiting achievement to their entering achievement. The analytic models used to calculate growth in Tennessee are part of the TVAAS analytics and reporting platform.

TVAAS is one of many tools provided by the Tennessee Department of Education to monitor and evaluate student progress. Districts and schools use achievement data from statewide assessments along with TVAAS growth data to make sure all students are on the trajectory to future success. With this information, educators are better able to:

• Monitor the growth of all groups of students, from low-achieving to high-achieving, ensuring growth opportunities for all students
• Measure student achievement as a result of the impact of educational practices, classroom curricula, instructional methods, and professional development
• Make informed, data-driven decisions about where to focus resources to help students make greater growth and perform at higher levels
• Modify and differentiate instruction to address the needs of all students
• Align professional development efforts in the areas of greatest need
• Network with other districts/schools in ways that might yield different growth results
• Identify best practices and implement programs that best meet the needs of their students

The TVAAS public site focuses on reporting aggregated data at the school and district level. These reports are designed to help families, stakeholders, and others gain insight into how schools and districts are supporting student learning. These reports do not include any teacher or student-level information to protect privacy.

Educators and administrators with TVAAS credentials can log in to access additional reporting beyond what is available to the public. Some examples of reporting available with restricted access include:

• Diagnostic Reports, which enable educators and administrators to uncover learning trends among diverse groups of students.
• Projections, which provide the likelihood of obtaining various benchmarks on a future TCAP end-of-grade, end-of-course, or college readiness exam.
• Student Reports, which provide a longitudinal look at student achievement and growth by subject and grade across time.

Access to these and several other reports is restricted to protect student privacy and requires appropriate credentials and authentication. If you are an educator or administrator and have any questions about your access, you can contact us.