California School Dashboard and System of Support
California’s new accountability and continuous improvement system provides information about how local educational agencies and schools are meeting the needs of California’s diverse student population.COVID-19 Frequently Asked Accountability Questions
This page provides access to frequently asked accountability questions related to COVID-19 and the approved streamlined federal waiver under the Elementary and Secondary Elementary Education Act.
Reports
California School Dashboard
The Dashboard contains reports that display the performance of local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures to assist in identifying strengths, challenges, and areas in need of improvement.
The CA Dashboard Mobile App is now available. The mobile App allows parents and educators an easier way to access their school and district Dashboards, all at their fingertips. Download the CA Dashboard Mobile App today!
School Dashboard Additional Reports and Data
Access the following five reports: the Five-by-Five Placement Reports, the College/Career Measures Report, the Participation Rate Report, the Student Groups Report, and the District Performance by County Report
California School Dashboard Navigator
The California School Dashboard Navigator is an interactive mapping tool for visualizing school and student group performance on a map that displays schools by their color-coded performance level for each of the state indicators and student groups. Users can target their searches by specific geographic areas and refine their searches using a set of interactive charts. Information on how to use the tool is provided in the Navigator How-To Guide and in the FAQs.
Overview
The California School Dashboard – Let the Conversation Begin
(Video; 1:53)
This two-minute video explains why the California School Dashboard is the “ultimate conversation starter” and how it can lead to better planning and better results for our kids.
Background
California's accountability system is based on multiple measures that assess how local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools are meeting the needs of their students. Performance on these measures is reported on the California School Dashboard
(Dashboard).
System of Support
California's system of support is one of the central components of California’s accountability and continuous improvement system. The goal is to help LEAs and their schools meet the needs of each student they serve, with a focus on building local capacity to sustain improvement and to effectively address disparities in opportunities and outcomes.
LEAs are eligible for assistance through the System of Support based on Dashboard results. Beginning with the 2019 Dashboard, Charters are eligible for identification under the Local Control Funding Formula for support. The process for determining charter school eligibility is available here Local Control Fundng Formula (LCFF) Criteria for Differentiated Assistance (PDF).
The Dashboard
The Dashboard is a powerful online tool to help districts and schools identify strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint student groups that may be struggling. It reports performance and progress on both state and local measures:
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State measures apply to all LEAs, schools, and student groups and are based on data that is collected consistently across the state.
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Local measures apply at the LEA and charter school level and are based on data collected at the local level.
The state and local measures are drawn from the ten priority areas of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), which was passed in 2013. Table 1 lists each priority area and its corresponding state and/or local measure:
Table 1: The State and Local Measures for Each Local Control Funding Formula Priority Areas
| Priority Areas | State Indicator | Local Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Priority 1: Basic Services and Conditions at schools | N/A | Text books availability, adequate facilities, and correctly assigned teachers. |
| Priority 2: Implementation of State Academic Standards | N/A | Annually report on progress in implementing the standards for all content areas. |
Priority 3: Parental Involvement and Family Engagement |
N/A | Annually report progress toward: (1) seeking input from parents/guardians in decision making; and (2) promoting parental participation in programs. |
| Priority 4: Student Achievement |
|
N/A |
| Priority 5: Student Engagement |
|
N/A |
| Priority 6: School Climate | Suspension Rate | Administer a Local Climate Survey every other year. |
| Priority 7: Access to a Broad Course of Study | N/A | Annually report progress on the extent students have access to, and are enrolled in, a broad course of study. |
| Priority 8: Outcomes in a Broad Course of Study | College/Career | N/A |
| Priority 9: (county office of education (COEs) Only) Coordination of Services for Expelled Students | N/A | Annual measure of progress in coordinating instruction for expelled students. |
| Priority 10: (COEs Only) Coordination of Services for Foster Youth | N/A | Annual measure of progress in coordinating instruction for foster youth. |
These priority areas form the basis for California's integrated accountability system, which meets both state and federal requirements.
Different criteria are used to determine and report performance for the state and local measures.
For the methodology for measuring performance on the local measures, please see the local measures.
Performance on the state measures is based on data from both the current and prior years. Any LEA, school, or student group with at least 30 students in both the current and prior year receives a performance level for each applicable state measure. There are five performance levels, and each is assigned a different color: Red is the lowest performance level, Orange is the second lowest, Yellow is the middle point, Green is the second highest, and Blue is the highest performance level.
On the Dashboard, a school's, LEA's, or student group's performance on a state measure is graphically displayed by a gauge, that is broken into five different colored segments, to represent the five levels of performance. An arrow points to the color that that corresponds to the performance for that measure. The picture below illustrates the five analog gauge meters used on the California School Dashboard. Each gauge meter is a half-circle dial that has 5 segments. Each segment represents a different performance level. The colors read from top to bottom: Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red. Blue represents the highest performance level while Red represents the lowest performance level. A needle indicates the performance level for the measure.
To learn more about a state measure, select from the list below:
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Suspension Rate
- English Learner Progress
- Graduation Rate
- Academic Performance
- College/Career
For more detailed information, see the Technical Guide to the California School Dashboard (PDF)
Parent Resources
California School Dashboard
The Dashboard contains reports that display the performance of districts, schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures. These reports help schools and districts identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement.
Videos
- The California School Dashboard – Let the Conversation Begin
(Video; 1:53)
This video provides an overview of California's multiple measures accountability system. It describes the measures in the Dashboard and how statewide data are used to determine the performance colors.
- The California School Dashboard – My Dad
(Video; 1:36)
In this animated video a student explains how her dad used the Dashboard to learn about her school and how it was performing on key state measures.
- The California School Dashboard – Around the Dashboard in 90 Seconds
(Video; 1:46)
This short video explains how the Dashboard helps us all understand how well our schools are doing – and where improvement is needed.
- The California School Dashboard – Steering Our Schools to Success
(Video; 1:41)
The video describes how the Dashboard helps all of us gain a better sense of what is happening in our schools. This information leads to more conversations and input, so school leaders can plan and make decisions that help all of our children succeed.
- Spanish Translation of videos are available on the Translation tab.
2019 Parent Guide
2019 Parent Guide to the California School Dashboard (DOCX)
This guide will provide an overview of the local and state measures and how performance is measured and reported on the Dashboard.
Translation of Parent Guide are available in the Translation tab.
Dashboard Flyers
Getting to Know the California School Dashboard (PDF)
The Dashboard is an online tool designed to help communities across the state access important information about K-12 schools and districts.
Getting to Know the Measures (PDF)
The Dashboard features six state measures that provide important information on how schools are serving their students.
How Dashboard Colors are Determined (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
The Dashboard shows performance of districts, schools, and student groups on a set of state and local measures that assist in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement.
How to View Performance of a School or District on the 2019 Dashboard (PDF)
A quick how-to guide on viewing performance levels on the 2019 Dashboard for school or district.
How to Compare Schools (PDF)
A brief guide on how to compare schools on the Dashboard.
Exploring the Equity Report (PDF)
Equity is at the Heart of California's Accountability System. The Dashboard shines a light on both the successes and challenges that county offices, districts, and schools are experiencing in addressing disparities.
Translation of Parents Flyers are available in the Translation tab.
Archived Flyers and Guides from Prior Dashboards
District Resources
Engagement Tools
These tools are designed to support districts, county offices of education, and schools in their community engagement efforts.
Customizable Tools for Community Engagement
California's Accountability and Continuous Improvement System: Key Points
California's Accountability and Continuous Improvement System: Key Points (DOCX)
Template Letter for LEAs
Template Letter for LEAs (DOCX)
A Site Administrator's Guide: Talking to Parents About the California School Dashboard (PPTX)
A customizable slide deck for site admins to use when
providing information about the Dashboard.
California School Dashboard Newsletter and Notifications
2021 Dashboard Back-to-School Letter
This letter provides a overview of key changes and dates for the 2021 Dashboard. It also includes information about local indicators, LEA support, school support, and the 2020–21 data that may be reported.
California School Dashboard Newsletter
The California School Dashboard Newsletter provides updates on the Dashboard, System of Support, and Local Control Funding Formula.
Educator Tools
These tools provide general and technical information on the state and local indicators reported on the Dashboard.
April 2020 CDE Update Webinar 
(Video; 1:41:53)
April 2020 Updates for Coordinators of Assessment, Accountability, and System of Supports.
Updates and Changes to the 2019 Dashboard
Updates and Changes to the 2019 Dashboard (DOCX)
Dashboard Flyers
For reader-friendly one- and two-page summaries of each of the state indicators and key components of the Dashboard, please see the Dashboard Flyers Web page.
Five-by-Five Color Tables
Five-by-Five Color Tables provides the five-by-five color table for each of the state indicators.
Five-by-Five Color Tables (DOCX)
Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning
Measure in the College/Career Indicator
This page provides detailed information on current College/Career Indicator (CCI) work-based learning measures that have been approved by the State Board of Education and reviews potential new career measures.
Dashboard Alternative School Status (DASS) Resources
Schools that serve high-risk students are eligible to participate in the DASS program, which applies modified measures to select state indicators. For information and resources on the DASS program, please see the DASS Web page.
Webinars and PowerPoint Presentations on the 2019 Dashboard
The California Department of Education has developed Webinars and PowerPoint Presentations on the 2019 Dashboard, which cover new business rules and changes to select state indicators that have been approved by the State Board of Education. The 2019 Dashboard Webinars are available to view under the Webinars and PowerPoint Presentations Web page.
Data used for 2019
An at-a-glance summary of the data (and data years) used to determine Status and Change for the 2019 Dashboard, as well as the data used for prior Dashboards
LEA Identification Criteria
A table that lists the LEA identification criteria for differentiated assistance in 2019–20.
LEA Identification Criteria
LEA Identification Criteria (PDF)
Archived Resources
For at-a-glance summary of the data used for prior Dashboards, as well as access to videos developed for previous Dashboard years, please see the Archived Resources Web page.
Data Files and Guides
Data Files & Record Layouts, Guides, and Handbook
Technical Resources
Data Crosswalk for the California School Dashboard and DataQuest (PDF)
This Data Crosswalk document provides a short overview of the differences in the way that data are produced for DataQuest and the California School Dashboard.
Dashboard Technical Guide
2019 Dashboard Technical Guide (PDF)
2018 Dashboard Technical Guide (PDF)
Connecting California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) to the Dashboard Handbook
Data Files & Record Layouts
2020 Census Enrollment and Additional Reports Data
The CDE will only publish the Census Enrollment Information, College/Career Measures Additional Report, and Graduation Rate Additional Report for the 2019-20 school year.
Translated Materials
This section contains available translations of Dashboard materials to help communicate the California School Dashboard to parents and stakeholders.
Videos
Bienvenido al Dashboard Escolar de California. Que comience la conversaciónes
(Video; 2:12)
El tablero de la escuela de California es el lugar donde puede obtener más información y más. El Tablero nos ayuda a todos (padres, familias, estudiantes, maestros) a ver qué tan bien están nuestras escuelas y estudiantes y dónde se necesita mejorar.
Tablero Escolar de California - Mi Papá
(Video; 1:50)
Un anuncio animado narrado por una chica que habla sobre su padre y cómo aprendió sobre su escuela a través del nuevo Dashboard Escolar.
Tablero Escolar de California -
Un Vistazo al Dashboard en 90 Segundos
(Video; 2:01)
El Dashboard está diseñado para ayudarnos a comprender qué tan bien se están desempeñando en nuestras escuelas y dónde se necesita mejorar.
Tablero Escolar de California - Dirigiendo Nuestras Escuelas Al Éxito
(Video; 2:01)
El Dashboard Escolar de California nos ayuda a todos a tener una mejor idea de lo que está sucediendo en nuestras escuelas.
El California School Dashboard Video para los Padres
(Video; 3:41)
Parent Guide to the California School Dashboard
Dashboard Flyers
Getting to Know the California School Dashboard (Translated)
- Getting to Know the California School Dashboard (English) (PDF)
- استكشاف California School Dashboard (Arabic) (PDF)
- 了解California School Dashboard (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 瞭解California School Dashboard (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- California School Dashboard에 대해 알아보기 (Korean) (PDF)
- Introducción al California School Dashboard (Spanish) (PDF)
- Pagkuha ng Kaalaman Tungkol sa California School Dashboard (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Tìm Hiểu về California School Dashboard (Vietnamese) (PDF)
Getting to Know the Measures (Translated)
- Getting to Know the Measures (English) (PDF)
- استكشاف المق (Arabic) (PDF)
- 了解指标 (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 瞭解指標 (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- 측정 알아보기 (Korean) (PDF)
- Conozca las medidas (Spanish) (PDF)
- Pag-alam sa mga Panukat (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Tìm Hiểu về Những Mức Đo Lường (Vietnamese) (PDF)
How Dashboard Colors are Determined (Translated) (Updated Aug-2020)
- How Dashboard Colors are Determined (English) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- استكشاف تقارير الإنصاف والمساواة (Arabic) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- 如何确定 Dashboard上的颜色？(Simplified Chinese) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- 如何確定 Dashboard上的顏色？ (Traditional Chinese) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- Dashboard에서 어떻게 색깔이 결정됩니까? (Korean) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- ¿Cómo se determinan los colores del Dashboard? (Spanish) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- Paano pinagpapasiyahan ang mga Kulay sa Dashboard? (Tagalog) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
- Quyết Định về Màu Như Thế Nào trong Dashboard? (Vietnamese) (PDF; Updated Aug-2020)
How to View Performance of a School or District (Translated)
- How to View Performance of a School or District on the 2019 Dashboard (PDF)
- كيفية الاطلاع على الأداء على لوحة البيانات المدرسية (Arabic) (PDF)
- 如何查看评分板中的表现情况 (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 如何查看評分板中的表現情況 (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- 대시보드에서 평가 결과 보는 방법 (Korean) (PDF)
- Cómo ver el desempeño en el Tablero de mando (Spanish) (PDF)
- Paano Dapat Tingnan ang Pagganap sa Dashboard (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Cách Xem Hiệu Năng trên Bảng Đồng Hồ 2019 (Vietnamese) (PDF)
How to Compare Schools (Translated)
- How to Compare Schools (PDF)
- كيفية مقارنة المدارس على لوحة البيانات المدرسية لعام (Arabic) (PDF)
- 如何对2019年评分板中的学校进行比较 (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 如何對2019年評分板中的學校進行比較 (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- 년 대시보드에서 학교를 비교하는 방법 (Korean) (PDF)
- Cómo comparar escuelas en el Tablero de mando de 2019 (Spanish) (PDF)
- Paano Dapat Paghambingin ang mga Paaralan sa 2019 Dashboard (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Cách So Sánh Các Trường trên Bảng Đồng Hồ 2019 (Vietnamese) (PDF)
The College/Career Indicator Flyer (Translated)
- College/Career Indicator (English) (PDF)
- الكلية مؤشر / المهنة (Arabic) (PDF)
- 大学/就业指标 (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 大學/就業指標 (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- 대학 진학/취업 지표 (Korean) (PDF)
- Indicador universitario/de carrera profesional (Spanish) (PDF)
- Tagahatid ng Kolehiyo/Karera (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Dấu Hiệu Đại Học/Nghề Nghiệp (Vietnamese) (PDF)
Exploring the Equity Report (Translated)
- Exploring the Equity Report (English) (PDF)
- استكشاف تقارير الإنصاف والمساواة(Arabic) (PDF)
- 探索公平度报告 (Simplified Chinese) (PDF)
- 探索公平度報告 (Traditional Chinese) (PDF)
- 형평성 보고서 이해하기 (Korean) (PDF)
- Exploración de los informes de equidad (Spanish) (PDF)
- Paggalugad sa mga Ulat ng Pagkakapantay (Tagalog) (PDF)
- Tìm Hiểu về Phúc Trình Công Bằng (Vietnamese) (PDF)
District Resources
Una guía para el administrador del predio escolar: Cómo hablar con los padres sobre el Tablero de mando escolar de California (California School Dashboard) (PPTX)
A customizable slidedeck for site admins to use when
providing information about the Dashboard.
Translations of the Sample Letter to Parents/Stakeholders coming in February 2020
A sample letter to help districts and schools communicate to families about the California School Dashboard.
El Tablero Escolar de California Conocido como “Dashboard” (Spanish) (PDF)
Provide knowledge to parents so that they can understand the Dashboard and assist in the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).
FAQs
The sections below address the most commonly asked questions about California's new accountability system.
