What are the challenges of collecting VAM (Value-added Measures) given the high number of transient students?
A. Currently, we are working with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to develop a Value-Added Measure (VAM) and other measures of teacher effectiveness that are as fair and transparent as possible. The VAM data system we are developing will track the moves of individual students, making it possible to attribute a student’s achievement gains proportionally to the teachers and schools in which he or she was enrolled. Students enrolled with a teacher or school for a minimal number of days can be excluded from calculations. In addition, teachers will have the opportunity to verify the accuracy of the student rosters used in their VAM calculations. Finally, the VAM will make statistical adjustments for the expected achievement gains of highly transient students.
