Case Studies: Overview | Dallas | Houston | Plano
The following case studies highlight the value-added models of three different school districts in Texas - Dallas, Houston, and Plano. They focus specifically on (1) the statistical considerations behind the district's choice of a value-added model and (2) how the results are being used to accelerate improvement and hold educators accountable for student learning. Each case study page includes an overview and key elements of the model and a resources section with links to tools and additional information. For a brief overview of each page, see the descriptions below.
Dallas
In 1992, the Dallas Independent School District (ISD) began implementing value-added analysis - Dallas Value-Added Assessment System (DVAAS) - based on a statistical approach developed within the district. Since then, the district has a rich history of using value-added analysis to assess performance and improve instruction. One of the cornerstones of the Dallas system has been the District's Accountability Task Force, which is a committee of individuals appointed by the board of education. The task force represents multiple stakeholders - parents, teachers, school administrators, community members - and is responsible for reviewing and approving the selection and weighting of the variables that serve as the foundation of the accountability and performance awards systems.
Houston
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) uses the SAS® Educational Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS) to measure student progress at the school, grade, teacher, and student levels. Unlike DVAAS, this model does not adjust for factors such as race and socioeconomic status because students serve as their own statistical control. HISD has used value-added analysis to develop Accelerating Student Progress. Increasing Results & Expectations (ASPIRE), a comprehensive educational-improvement and performance-management model. ASPIRE focuses on four key components of successful data-driven improvement initiatives - developing human capital, recognizing excellence, informing practice, and improving teaching and learning.
Plano
The Plano Independent School District (ISD) in Texas designed its own growth model - the Plano ISD Achievement Growth Model to measure the academic growth of students. This model is unique in that it takes into account a student's cognitive ability when making projections and uses multiple assessments to gauge a wide range of abilities. The Plano ISD growth model helps the district isolate and evaluate the effect of programs, interventions, and teachers on student performance. The growth model has also enabled the district to participate in the District Awards for Teacher Excellence (D.A.T.E) program - a grant program designed to reward campuses, grade-levels, and departments with monetary incentives for providing students with academic growth.