To the Point
Value-Added Teacher Evaluations and the Race to the Top
"Value-added analysis” has been used to fire public school teachers who failed to measure up. In Los Angeles, the value-added rankings of 6000 teachers were published on line. We hear about the strengths and weaknesses of the latest fad in education reform. Also, graft at Afghan's Central Banks causes political turmoil, and Koran-burning in Florida and US troops in Afghanistan.
By Warren Olney • • 50m Listen"Value-added analysis” has been used to fire public school teachers who failed to measure up. In Los Angeles, the value-added rankings of 6000 teachers were published on line. We hear about the strengths and weaknesses of the latest fad in education reform. Also, graft at Afghan's Central Banks causes political turmoil, and religious leaders denounce religious bigotry, especially the burning of Islam's holiest book to commemorate the attacks on 9/11.
Banner image: Teacher June Brown helps Jeremy Torres, a third grade student at the Hill Public School, near Bayard, Nebraska. Photo: Larry W. Smith/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesGraft at Afghan's Central Banks Causes Political Turmoil
"The run on Kabul bank is shaking [Afghanistan's] fragile economy — and fraying what's left of trust in the government." That's according to Jason Motlagh, who's in Kabul for Time magazine.
Read the story8 minEducation Reform and Teacher Accountability
Very few public school teachers fail to get tenure, and education reformers have struggled to find an objective measurement of teacher performance. The latest rage, the " value-added analysis ," is based on standardized tests of students in English and Math.
Read the story36 minGeneral Petraeus Warns Burning Koran Endangers Troops
Evangelicals in Florida say they'll burn copies of the Koran on September 11, plans that are being denounced by other religious leaders and by General David Petraeus, the US commander in Afghanistan. He says the action could endanger the lives of American soldiers and damage the US mission.
Read the story7 min
