New Directions in Value-Added Research

July 26, 2010

WCER’s Value-Added Research Center (VARC) is working with Hillsborough County (Fla.) Public Schools to support and promote effective teaching. VARC is producing teacher-level value-added estimates using data from district-wide assessments, which include the state-mandated Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and district-required end-of-course tests. The District will use the results as part of its Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Teacher Effectiveness Initiative. VARC is working with the Milwaukee Public Schools to align its employee evaluation systems with the District’s strategic plan. This approach includes defining what employees need to do to carry out the strategic plan, defining performance competencies for each group, specifying the measurement and administrative characteristics that strategically-aligned evaluation.