Comparing Least-Squares Value-Added Analysis and Student Growth Percentile Analysis for Evaluating Student Progress and Estimating School Effects

29 Pages Posted: 8 Mar 2013

See all articles by Brendan Houng

Brendan Houng

University of Melbourne

Moshe Justman

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - Department of Economics; University of Melbourne - Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research

Date Written: March 2013

Abstract

This paper compares two functionally different approaches to analyzing standardized test data: least-squares based value-added analysis, geared principally to supporting teacher and school accountability; and Betebenner’s (2009) student growth percentiles, which focuses primarily on tracking individual student progress in a normative context and projecting probable trajectories of future performance. Applying the two methods to Australian standardized numeracy and reading test scores (NAPLAN) in grades 3 to 5 and 7 to 9, we find that although they are used differently, the two methods share key structural elements, and produce similar quantitative indicators of both individual student progress and estimated school effects.

Keywords: Value-added analysis, student growth percentiles, NAPLAN

JEL Classification: I21, I28

Suggested Citation

Houng, Brendan and Justman, Moshe, Comparing Least-Squares Value-Added Analysis and Student Growth Percentile Analysis for Evaluating Student Progress and Estimating School Effects (March 2013). Melbourne Institute Working Paper No. 07/13, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2230187 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2230187

Brendan Houng

University of Melbourne ( email )

185 Pelham Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053
Australia

Moshe Justman (Contact Author)

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - Department of Economics ( email )

Beer-Sheva 84105
Israel
+972 864 72292 (Phone)
+972 864 72941 (Fax)

University of Melbourne - Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic & Social Research ( email )

Level 5, FBE Building, 111 Barry Street
Parkville, Victoria 3010
Australia

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