Value-added models using end-of-course assessments or commercially available tests instead of state assessments¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 2 studies (1 associational, 1 design), q1–q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

One of the two alternative measure types profiled in the report: value-added models that substitute different assessment sources for typical state assessments. The summary describes "value-added models that use the results of end-of-course assessments or commercially available tests in statistical growth models instead of typical state assessments." The report profiles how early-adopting districts implement this approach for teacher evaluation.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• End-of-course assessments or commercially available test results suitable for statistical growth modeling

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students in early-adopting districts

Target Learning Goals¶

• Measuring student growth for teacher evaluation

Claims¶

• The Pittsburgh VAMs incorporate course-specific assessments, attendance, and course completion alongside state assessments [+W]
• The choice of which assessment to use as the outcome measure matters more for value-added estimates than any student or peer control-variable specification choice [+W]

Related Elements¶

• Student learning objectives set by individual teachers and approved by principals

Examples¶

• Use early-adopting districts' experiences to decide whether and how to implement alternative teacher-effectiveness measures

Key Sources¶

• Brian Gill, Brittany English, Joshua Furgeson, Moira McCullough. (2014). Alternative Student Growth Measures for Teacher Evaluation: Profiles of Early-Adopting Districts (Executive Summary). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/alternative-student-growth-measures-for-teacher-evaluation-profiles-of-early-adopting-districts-executive-summary