Value-Added Online Course Preview Value-Added Research Center University of Wisconsin-Madison October 17, 2011

Summary of the course Self-directed pace Divided into four chapters –The Oak Tree Analogy –The Power of Two (Value-Added and Achievement) –Interpreting Results –Factors Influencing Growth Animated and narrated content Forums to ask questions and collaborate Quizzes to check for understanding

Main Course Page Chapters unlock as the user progresses through the course

Chapter One – The Oak Tree Analogy Value-Added is explained conceptually out of the education context.

Chapter Two – The Power of Two Why is it important to use both Achievement and Value- Added?

Chapter Two – The Power of Two When we look at both measures independently, what does it tell us about the situation of a school?

Chapter Three – Interpreting Results How are standardized test scores used to produce a Value-Added estimate?

Chapter Three – Interpreting Results Value-Added is a relative measure. How do I compare my results to the average?

Chapter Four – Factors Influencing Growth There are many factors the may influence growth. Why does Value- Added control for some of them and not others?

Chapter Four – Factors Influencing Growth High and Low achieving students may grow at different rates. How does Value-Added take this into account to fairly evaluate educator effectiveness?

Chapter Four – Factors Influencing Growth Schools serve different student populations. How does Value-Added allow for fair comparisons of growth across schools?

Glossary of terms Users have access to a glossary where terms like Achievement, Confidence Interval, and Measurement Error are defined.

Discussion Forum If you have a question, ask the experts. Collaborate with colleagues across the state.

Quizzes Take a quiz after each chapter. Check your understanding and unlock the next chapter.