New Mexico's Value-Added Model in Court: An Examination of Reliability, Validity, and Bias

• In Event: Teacher Evaluation Under the Microscope

Abstract

In this study, researchers investigated the value-added model (VAM) under fire in a teacher evaluation lawsuit in New Mexico, American Federation of Teachers, New Mexico and the Albuquerque Federation of Teachers (Plaintiffs) v. New Mexico Public Education Department (Defendants). Drawing from teacher evaluation data from nearly 8,000 New Mexico public school teachers, researchers investigated the VAM under question for evidences of reliability, validity, and bias (or lack thereof). Researchers found somewhat weak evidences of reliability (i.e., stability) and validity as per the VAM under question, and output was potentially more biased than that of other models. Findings have noteworthy implications not just for those involved in the lawsuit, but also for school leaders and policymakers across the country.

Authors

• Tray Geiger, Arizona State University

• Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, Arizona State University