The Value of Value-Added Measures

The concept of value-added measures of teacher or school effectiveness is prompting a great deal of discussion in K-12 Education policy circles. This debate reached a boiling point last year when the Los Angeles Times published a database of the value-added scores for all teachers in the nation\u27s second largest school district. Proponents argue value-added measures provide important information on school and teacher effectiveness. Opponents argue value-added measures are imprecise instruments which measure student background instead of teacher or school quality. The purpose of this policy brief is to provide the reader with a general understanding of the concept of a valueadded measure as well as the potential benefits and perils of more widespread use of such value-added measure

Value-Added Modeling for Teacher Effectiveness

[Excerpt] This report addresses issues associated with the evaluation of teacher effectiveness based on student growth in achievement. It focuses specifically on a method of evaluation referred to as value-added modeling (VAM). Although there are other methods for assessing teacher effectiveness, in the last decade, VAM has garnered increasing attention in education research and policy due to its promise as a more objective method of evaluation. The first section of this report describes what constitutes a VAM approach and how it estimates the so-called “teacher effect.” The second section identifies the components necessary to conduct VAM in education settings. Third, the report discusses current applications of VAM at the state and school district levels and what the research on these applications says about this method of evaluation. The fourth section of the report explains some of the implications these applications have for large-scale implementation of VAM. Finally, the report describes some of the federal policy options that might arise as Congress considers legislative action around these or related issues

VALUE-ADDED WHEAT PRODUCT TRADE

This study evaluated international trade of value-added wheat products. Analyzed were market size and growth rate by country for each product group. Shift share analysis was used to examine changes in market shares for each value-added wheat product group. Major international exporters were identified for each product group, and market shares held by the major exporters for specific importing markets were analyzed.Bakery, international trade, market size, market growth, shift-share analysis, market share, exports, value-added., International Relations/Trade,

VALUE ADDED DEVELOPMENTS FOR POULTRY

Agribusiness, Livestock Production/Industries,

Subnational Value-Added Taxes: Options for Georgia

This report considers the implications of levying a "subnational value-added tax in Georgia as a replacement for the state corporate income and sales tax. FRC Report 16