
VAM (Value-Added Model)
The Value-Added Model (VAM) is a method used to evaluate the effectiveness of schools and teachers by measuring student progress over time. Instead of simply comparing test scores, VAM looks at how much a student improves, accounting for factors like prior performance and socioeconomic background. This approach aims to assess the true impact of teaching on learning by isolating the contribution of educators to student achievements. Essentially, VAM helps identify which schools and teachers are making a significant difference in student outcomes.