Performance-based Accountability

SASCS holds itself to high academic and organizational standards to ensure that every student receives a strong, effective education. Excellence is not assumed — it is measured, monitored, supported, and continuously improved through thoughtful systems of data review, professional development, and instructional coaching.

The school must achieve academic and organizational excellence through outstanding instructional quality and key design elements to remain a viable educational alternative in the community. Student performance, teaching, and learning are measured monthly and/or quarterly through data collected from multiple assessment tools, including STAR Math and Reading tests, benchmark exams utilizing TEDs Software, and full-length practice tests for state assessments.

Student performance data is documented and reviewed by teachers and administrators. Based on these results, teachers develop targeted intervention plans to support individual student growth and improve achievement outcomes.

SASCS also implements an extensive teacher observation and enrichment program in which every teacher is observed biweekly and provided feedback tailored to their professional needs. Instructional improvement is guided by NYSED-approved frameworks, including The New Art and Science of Teaching Framework, the Marzano Strategies for teacher evaluation, and the iObservation Professional Growth program.

Several instructional coaches support this process by conducting classroom observations, offering feedback, modeling instructional strategies, and helping teachers refine practice. Research has shown that performance-based accountability systems encourage teachers to focus more deeply on instructional quality and professional growth. As part of this system, core subject teachers may be incentivized based on student performance and extracurricular contributions.