PVAAS
Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System
Click on the Instructional Video (below) for more information.
In late summer, all 500 school districts across the Commonwealth receive web-based reporting through the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS). PVAAS is a relatively new type of data that offers an objective and more precise way to measure student progress and the value schools and districts add to students' educational experiences.
Pennsylvania is one of only three states providing this information statewide to all school districts. PVAAS is one of the tools in the cadre of tools provided to districts from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Pennsylvania is one of only three states providing this information statewide to all school districts. PVAAS is one of the tools in the cadre of tools provided to districts from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Districts and schools are using PVAAS (progress data), in conjunction with achievement data, to make sure all students are on the trajectory to proficiency. Utilizing all the data available (progress and achievement), educators are able to make data-informed instructional decisions to ensure the academic growth and achievement of all students.
PVAAS provides feedback to key questions:
- Did each cohort make a year’s worth of growth in reading (grades 4-8 and 11), math (grades 4-8 and 11), science (grades 4, 8 and 11), and writing (grades 5, 8 and 11)?
- Did each subgroup make a year’s worth of growth in reading (grades 4-8 and 11), math (grades 4-8 and 11), science (grades 4, 8 and 11), and writing (grades 5, 8 and 11)?
- Is each individual student on a trajectory to reach proficient or advanced levels on a future PSSA reading, math, science, and writing assessment?
The resources provide information on each of the data tools made available to districts by the Department. In addition, the Department has designed a blueprint to assist districts in utilizing these various data sources to make data-informed decisions.
