Understanding Value Added Data in Seattle
Value Added data measures educator effectiveness in growing
students. There is no penalty for the educator (individually or in
a team ) on students' previous academic achievement. Therefore,
value added looks at the growth that student groups make from the
end of one year to the end of the subsequent year. The data has
been standardized to a baseline achievement level established in
1999. Essentially, every year thereafter the growth of a cohort is
measured in respect to this initial 1999 baseline. The 'status quo'
growth is identified as maintaining the cohort's position relative
to the baseline group. A longitudinal report shows a total school's
progress over time. Schools have also been provided a report which
is appropriate to use for diagnostic purposes. This report shows
growth of students broken down into four quartiles in each
discipline measured.
Value Added data is derived from the scale
scores of the standardized achievement tests previously
administered within the district. There is no additional testing
necessary in order to determine value added information. The
traditional test data is received within the district, the files
must then be merged, program descriptors must be identified, and
finally the files are sent to Dr. Bill Sanders of SAS in Cary, NC.
Dr. Sanders developed the value added model that we use and does
the actual 'number crunching'. Once that process is complete the
data is returned to the Value Added Team of Seattle Public Schools
for reports to be printed. These reports are then disseminated to
each of the local schools and provided on the website. Both a color
version and a black and white version of all reports have been
posted on the Seattle Public Schools? website so that interested
parties can choose the format which best suits their needs.
The Value Added Team is always eager to help individuals better
understand this data and how it can be used to improve learning
opportunities for students. Currently a series of data courses are
being offered and training sessions can be scheduled for groups of
educators within the district. To find out more about these
opportunities, please contact Laura Hopkins at
206-252-0142.
If you are interested
in learning more about the Value Added Model click below.
The
Tennessee Value Added Assessment System (TVAAS)
(outside link)
Value Added Training
