Saturday, March 16, 2013

Now We Know Why Obama Doesn’t Understand VAM | deutsch29

Now We Know Why Obama Doesn’t Understand VAM | deutsch29:


Now We Know Why Obama Doesn’t Understand VAM

In order to truly understand value added modeling (VAM), forget the likes of me and of others who hold degrees in mathematics, or statistics, or measurement. Forget that we offer solid, detailed discussions of the problems of VAM. Forget also that those who formerly promoted VAM, like Louisiana’s George Noell, are mysteriously ”no longer associated with the project.”
According to Michael Bloomberg, just ask a banker.
That’s right.  Banker and former director of the Office of Management and Budget for the Obama administration Peter Orszag has written an enlightening piece for Bloomberg.com explaining that VAM really does work.  According to Orszag, VAM can determine “which teachers are best.” Now, mind you, I’m no banker, but I would like to offer my thoughts on Orszag’s very positive article on the value of the value added.
First, let me begin with Orszag’s statement regarding “promoting the most talented teachers.” What, exactly, is a “most talented teacher,” according to corporate reform? One whose students score highest on standardized