The Relationship Between Reduction in Force (RIF) Policy and Teacher Effectiveness

• In Event: Measuring Growth: The Challenges, Possibilities, and Political Implications of Measuring Teacher Effectiveness

Abstract

This study uses data from the Los Angeles Unified School district to examine the impact of basing layoffs (or reduction in force (RIF) based on seniority as opposed to indicators of teachers effectiveness. Although teacher effectiveness should be measured using multiple indicators, this study uses teacher’s student performance to proxy for effectiveness. Teacher effects are based on a teacher performance value added model. Results indicate that only 3% of the same teachers would be RIF’d using value added estimates as those that were actually RIF’d using seniority. Also, RIFing based on seniority resulted in teachers of average quality being laid off, while a value added basis would have resulted in layoffs of teachers who were significantly less effective.

Author

• Pete G. Goldschmidt, California State University - Northridge