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A Note on the Causal Definition of Teacher Effects VAM ANCOVA

Author(s):
McCaffrey, Daniel F.; Lockwood, J. R.
Publication Year:
2019
Report Number:
RM-19-15
Source:
ETS Research Memorandum
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
23
Subject/Key Words:
Value Added Models (VAM), Educational Outcomes, Peer Influence, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Teacher Evaluation, Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Value-Added

Abstract

Value-added models are now a mainstay of research on teachers and are used by some states and school systems for teacher evaluation or accountability. Linear analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models are widely used in the estimation of teacher value added. In this research memorandum, we use the potential outcomes framework to define teacher value-added effects as causal effects of the contributions of teachers and classroom peers, and we establish conditions for ANCOVA models to yield consistent estimates of those effects.

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