Hybrid Success Model

      Another metric of analysis researchers at NWEA have employed is the Hybrid Success Model (HSM) index. The HSM is a growth model that measures a student’s annual growth relative to the growth needed to reach their state’s proficiency standard. The HSM is a particularly important indicator for students who begin the instructional year below average.

      Unlike traditional value-added models, the HSM provides realistic and attainable targets for growth while assuring progress is made toward the proficiency requirements of tenth grade (or the highest level available). The HSM target combines typical growth for similar students with required growth to reach proficiency, establishing a reasonable growth target.

      For example, if a student began second grade working at a level consistent with tasks assigned in kindergarten, setting a goal for the student to end the year working at a third grade level would be unrealistic. However, it would be reasonable to ask this student to achieve a level of growth that would assure the proficiency standard is reached by the end of elementary schooling. Likewise, for students who perform above the state proficiency standards, HSM targets ensure they are challenged as well. By establishing a growth target equivalent to the average growth achieved by students in the same grade who started with the same scale score, the HSM suggests targets that are realistically rigorous. The HSM targets allow schools with lower performing students to demonstrate success by growth towards standards. At the same time, schools with higher performing students must demonstrate continued growth in order to be considered successful.

      How are Hybrid Success Model targets created?

      1. Two growth target scores are identified for each student: 1) a RIT score based on what growth is needed to meet proficiency requirements by high school and 2) the RIT score based on the growth norms of what is typical for students at the grade and achievement level.
      2. The HSM target is set to the higher of the two growth target scores.