Following input from our pilot participants and after many discussions and a review of current practices nationwide, the Effective Instruction Committee settled on the following rating system for the purpose of the SGM pilot. The rating system will be reviewed at the end of May to determine if changes need to be considered for 2015-16.
| Unsatisfactory | Basic | Proficient | Distinguished/ Exemplary |
| Less than 50% met growth goal | 50-69.9% met growth goal | 70-89.9% met growth goal | 90-100% met growth goal |