The State Accountability and School Improvement subdivision provides primary and ancillary data analysis of state and district testing information to ensure accurate and appropriate use of achievement results within the district and in the accountability process of the state as it applies to the district. Furthermore, achievement data are analyzed to improve district-developed examinations and to identify curriculum strengths and areas of improvement. Data for school improvement planning purposes are continuously provided, as well as, for other district initiatives.

The State Accountability team coordinates communication between departments and divisions as appropriate, provides ongoing assistance with development and delivery of training and serves as a liaison between the school district and various community groups and agencies. We provide status reports and projections, maintaining a program of good public relations through cooperation with other district and school personnel and through participation in appropriate local, state, and national organizations, as well as analysis of student data for trends related to performance, equity, accountability, and clarity.

The Hillsborough County Public Schools Assessment Department is responsible for the management of K-12 district and statewide student assessment programs, as well as assisting with the administration and reporting of several other K-12 student assessment programs. The primary goal of these assessments is to drive instruction and to provide information about student learning in Florida, as required by Florida law (see Section 1008.22, Florida Statutes).

2023-2024 K-12 Assessment Calendar

Achievement data are analyzed to improve district-developed examinations and to identify curriculum strengths and areas of improvement. Middle and high district semester exam and State EOC data are analyzed further in order to generate district grading scales to provide consistency and equity in assigning exam grades to students across the district. Data for school improvement planning purposes are provided as well as for other district initiatives. Student data collection and analysis of the data used for teacher evaluation, the Value-Added Measure (VAM) score, falls under this department to ensure the metrics used to evaluate teachers are valid and reliable.

All individuals and entities who would like to conduct research, an evaluation of activities, receive District student data must complete and be approved through the Research Review Process. This process helps to ensure:

• the research is significant and aligns to the District’s stated mission.
• the potential benefit to the participants and/or the district outweighs the nature and interruption.
• the rights of the proposed research subjects within HCPS are protected as required by law.
• the welfare of students and staff are considered with the least number of unnecessary interruptions.

More information on Research and Evaluation >>

The Subdivision of School Improvement serves as a partner in supporting improved outcomes for all students through strategic problem solving, capacity building, and the implementation of sustainable systems. The goal is to assist in school improvement activities, including analyzing various assessment and demographic data for school improvement plans. SI supports are intended to build capacity by focusing on systems and structures needed to accelerate and sustain school improvement. Supports are offered in consultation with the schools to determine needs, and typically include facilitation of collaborative processes such as data and risk analysis, needs assessment, strategic planning and problem solving, performance management, professional development, and cross-district networking.

It is essential that our students are provided with an opportunity to achieve their highest academic, professional and life goals regardless of race/ethnicity, disability, economic status, or native language. All Hillsborough County Schools are working hard to ensure that each student has this opportunity by improving the performance of all students while also closing the achievement gap through the implementation of system-level strategies and by measuring and tracking key performance metrics.