Dayna K. Wells
A 3rd grade teacher at Park Western Place Elementary in 2009
These graphs show a teacher's "value-added" rating based on his or her students' progress on the California Standards Tests in math and English. The Times’ analysis used all valid student scores available for this teacher from the 2002-03 through 2008-09 academic years. The value-added scores reflect a teacher's effectiveness at raising standardized test scores and, as such, capture only one aspect of a teacher's work.
Compared with other Los Angeles Unified teachers on the value-added measure of test score improvement, Wells ranked:
- Average overall.
- Average in math. Students of teachers in this category, on average, did not gain or lose significantly on the California Standards Test compared with other students at their grade level.
- Less effective than average in English. Students of teachers in this category, on average, lost about 3 percentile points on the California Standards Test compared with other students at their grade level.
Wells' LAUSD teaching history
2002-03 through 2008-09 academic years
- Park Western Place Elementary, 2009 - 2004
Dayna Wells's Response:
I teach third grade at a high performing school (2009 API of 941) which serves low income students (79% qualify for free or reduced lunch). The entire state’s CST average math score is 24% lower than my students; and the state's ELA scores are 13% lower. Yet, as their teacher I show negative value added.* Am I really an ineffective teacher? I hope my students who worked so hard all year and the families who supported them are not as disheartened by the value-added data as I am.
*State average ELA proficient and advanced students = 44%. My students = 57%.
State average MATH proficient and advanced students = 65%. My students = 89%.
I encourage parents, readers and interested parties to view this video which helps in trying to understand why the data is faulty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uONqxysWEk8
The Times gave LAUSD elementary school teachers rated in this database the opportunity to preview their value-added evaluations and publicly respond. Some issues raised by teachers may be addressed in the FAQ. Teachers who have not commented may do so by contacting The Times.
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