Value-Added Measures in Education: What Every Educator Needs to Know

by Douglas N. Harris, Randi Weingarten (Foreword)

In Value-Added Measures in Education , economist and education researcher Douglas N. Harris takes on one of the most hotly debated topics in education. Drawing on his extensive work with schools and districts, he sets out to help educators and policy makers understand this innovative approach to assessment.

Written in straightforward language and illustrated with actual student achievement data, this essential volume shows how value-added measurement can help schools make better use of their data and discusses the strengths and limitations of this approach.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Politics, Economics

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2010

Reviews

[Ted Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative read for anyone who has an interest in the state of education, and especially the measurement of "quality" schools and teachers. Harris did an excellent jo of laying out the methods used, and presented as unbiased as I think posssible look at the statisical tool known as VAM that has been sweeping the nation. Everyone in education really should read this (or at least the first 8 or 9 chapters).

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really thoughtful, thorough exploration of value-added measures. I think I'm a little more on the 'reform' side of things than Harris (as these things have been mapped out), but not much, and he does a very good job of exploring all the trade-offs that we need to think about when dealing with value-added measures. Terrific stuff.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book -- Harris offers a lot of insight both for educators who might be fearful of value-added assessments of teacher quality and for reformers who favor them but may not understand the complications they present. Definitely a must-read for educators and policymakers alike.

[Brenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars- Not the most exciting read in the world, hard to make VAM exciting, but the author does raise some interesting points- some I agreed with, others I did not. I felt this book was more theoretical than practical and there was a lot of repetition of the same points.