Regina Kay La Salle

A 4th grade teacher at Amestoy 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.

Overall value-added effectiveness

Math effectiveness

English effectiveness

This chart shows where teachers in this effectiveness category fall on a distribution of all teachers’ scores.

Compared with other Los Angeles Unified teachers on the value-added measure of test score improvement, La Salle 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.
More effective than average in English. Students of teachers in this category, on average, gained about 2 percentile points on the California Standards Test compared with other students at their grade level.

La Salle's LAUSD teaching history

2002-03 through 2008-09 academic years

Amestoy Elementary, 2009 - 2007
La Salle Avenue Elementary, 2006 - 2003

Regina La Salle's Response:

Throughout my career, I have received feedback about my teaching methods and effectiveness. I have used this information to refine my teaching practices. I will use my "value added" rating to continue to do so.

While I am not convinced that the value added model is entirely fair, it is a good starting point to begin to talk about teacher effectiveness. I don't think it should be the only factor that is measured when looking at a teacher, but it can give a place for the dialogue to start. Test scores should not be the entire focus of education, but they are important and educators are charged with teaching the standards that are tested.

I know that I am an effective educator, not based on this value added model, but on countless comments from parents, administrators, colleagues, and students. I have seen growth in the test scores of my students from year to year (some going up 2 levels at a time). I have been observed many times, used a model for other teachers often, and have led staff developments. I welcome anyone who wants to come and observe my practice. I am proud of my profession and my efforts with my students.

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.