Dealing From the Bottom of the Deck? Value-Added Modeling Policy Analysis for One State

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Perceptions and Impacts of Teacher Evaluation

Abstract

Value-Added Modeling (VAM) is a major part of Louisiana’s and other states’ efforts to evaluate teachers. This paper reports on the progress of VAM in Louisiana, and suggests similar analyses would be useful for other states and school systems evaluating teachers with value-added modeling. The information was derived from a legislative report provided in response to a public records request. The provided report lacks critical information necessary to fully evaluate the reliability and validity of VAM in Louisiana, and this shortcoming effectively creates a proprietary enterprise beyond the reach of independent research. Recommendations and conclusions are provided in the full paper.

Author

• Adam C. Elder, Southeastern Louisiana University