What is the value-added model?

The value-added model is a way to evaluate teachers in certain grades and subject areas based on their state standardized test scores. It does not simply give a score based on the student's score, but it is based on whether the students met, exceeded, or fell short of their expected growth. In addition, it takes into consideration variables which are out of the teacher's control, such as attendance, SES, discipline, and special education. It is meant to be a means for teacher to reflect on their practice and improve.

+Free of biases that other evaluation techniques contain

+Relies on the assumption that the standardized test is a reliable and valid means of assessing knowledge

+Assumes that teachers alone are responsible for student learning

Legal and Ethical Issues that arise

Ratings

The value-added model judges the effectiveness of a teacher by giving a summary score of student growth from one year to the next. It also predicts how successful the student will be the next year. Some argue that this score alone should not be used to deem a teacher's effectiveness, but should be combined with other methods, such as classroom observations.