Value-Added is the fourth component of Ohio’s accountability system, along with State Indicators, Performance Index Score, and Adequate Yearly Progress. Value-added reporting measures the level of gain achieved in reading and math for students in grades four through eight.
Value-added analysis is a statistical method used to measure a school’s impact on the rate of student progress from year to year. It is a growth measurement that will enable schools and districts to better determine the impact of their curriculum and instructional practices on student achievement. Through value-added reporting, the data collected can show how much “value” a child is actually getting from his or her classroom experience.
The value-added growth measure was mandated in section 3302.021 of the Ohio Revised Code and goes into effect with the 2008 Ohio achievement data. With the addition of value-added, the education system of Ohio will have the ability to draw upon three different types of measurements of student achievement:
- Status of schools and districts from state assessment scores, attendance records, and graduation rates;
- Achievement of groups and subgroups, as measured by adequate yearly progress (AYP); and
- Academic progress of students over time, as demonstrated through value-added reporting.
The three measurements are available to educators, parents, and interested others through Ohio’s Local Report Cards.
Value-added analysis is an innovative but complex tool. Thus, professional development must be provided before the value-added metric is rolled out at a district or building level. Educators must be taught to properly use this information to take advantage of its use as a school improvement tool.
For more detailed information about your value-added data, consult with your District Value-Added Specialist (DVAS). If you do not have a trained DVAS, contact Joanne Geiler at Battelle For Kids at jgeiler@battelleforkids.org.
