How to Use Value-Added Analysis to Improve Student Learning: A Field Guide for School and District Leaders

by Kate Kennedy, Mary Peters, James M. Thomas

A step-by-step guide to transforming student learning with value-added analysis



Value-added analysis is the most robust, statistically significant method available for helping educators quantify student progress over time. This powerful tool also reveals tangible strategies for improving instruction. Built around the work of Battelle for Kids, this book provides a field-tested continuous improvement model for using value-added information to increase student learning. The five-step process shows how



Create the conditions for successExamine district, school, and classroom reports to assess strengths and challengesUse these reports to create an improvement planImplement instructional changesEvaluate and adjust the changes as the new school year starts

Each chapter includes case studies, real-life examples, action steps, and reflective questions in addition to numerous tools, samples, and protocols for implementing the model. By focusing on specific professional practices associated with gains in student performance, conversations shift from blame to analysis, from defensiveness to professional learning, and from micromanagement to inquiry—a fresh perspective that results in student success!

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

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Reviews

[Lara Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gave me a clear understanding of VA and how to use the data to improve teaching and learning in my school.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, one of my frustrations with it is that in order to do value-added analysis it appears you need to contract with a company to do the metrics for you. (Or have a system that has enough personnel with the capacity to do this work.).