I have not taught math for over 7 years, so this does not even accurately measure the progress of the subject area in which I have taught.

In addition, I have been out of the classroom for 3 years now, but my value-added scores keep fluctuating even though I have not taught additional students.

These scores are misleading, and I do not support the sloppy methodology utilized by the Los Angeles Times.

Just a thought
How about publishing the names of the highly effective and effective teachers only. This would recognize the successes of those teachers, and also let parents know if their son's or daughter's teacher were not in the top brackets. I've never once posted my students' scores on the board for all to see, as I don't believe that public humiliation brings about positive change (not in the classroom, not in sports, and not in the job world). I do however believe that more positive recognition for the successful teachers would encourage all teachers to strive for excellence and seek the guidance from those who have proven results year after year.
Thanks,
Steve

I'm confused at my rating. The time period reviewed is 2003-2010. I was teaching half-time for the majority of that time, splitting a room with a room partner who covered one half of the curriculum while I covered the other half. I returned to full-time status for the 2009-2010 scholastic calendar, during which time I had, I believe, no more than 25 students. Yet my listing indicates that my value-added scores are based on the records of 75 students. Are my scores weighted to reflect my employment situation in the 2003-2009 scholastic years, where in a given year I was responsible for either Math or Language Arts but not both? I'm not satisfied that the value-added method addresses alternative scenarios such as split classrooms.

I'm curious what my scores would be if based exclusively on the scolastic year during which I was the sole instructor in the classroom, 2009-2010, as I feel this would more accurately reflect my performance. Since it doesn't seem to, I'm not sure how to interpret the information provided, or if it is useful at all to my present situation.

The methodology used here assumes that students are with the same teacher for math and English language arts. Overland students are assigned a homeroom teacher, and then placed in math and English language arts classes with different teachers based on their performance level. In other words, this teacher rating is not attributable to a single teacher, but rather a team of teachers.

I'm disappointed to see this again, because once again, the data is inaccurate. This data represents 2 years at 2 different schools! How is this a measure of progress of my teaching from student to student if they're not even looking at the same grade level, school or kids? Also, it is important for me to point out that at my school in 4th and 5th grade, we departmentalize for math instruction and so these scores from my students are not even a reflection of MY teaching. While I completely support the work my colleagues have done with my students, is it fair to call this MY teaching record?
Oh and thanks for making this rating the #1 hit on google when someone searches for my name... even though my scores are good, this DOES NOT define me!

These scores are based on one year in which I was on maternity leave.

The LAUSD should be lobbying to keep effective teachers instead of pink slipping them because of seniority. The administration at school sites should be evaluating poor teachers out and keeping teachers like Ratcliffe among their ranks.

The tenure system is a primary reason that the U.S. ranks so low among other countries.

This is an example of how inaccurate the value added evaluation can be. It does not take many realities into account, such as language ability, motivation, behavior, and parental support. I did have wonderful children and parents, but at the same time had a challenging class. It included all the third grade’s track A severe discipline problems, some of which were cross tracked, both LEPs and EOs; recent arrivals and other students with very low ELD levels; more than half of the class were at the below basic and far below basic score at the beginning of the year. The then administrator goes around boasting around the state about the gains the school made under him. It was simple, he took the majority of the advanced, proficient, and high basic scoring students in each grade level, placed them with his cronies, the most challenging students were placed with teachers he did not like -mostly veteran teachers at the top of the pay scale. As a farewell gift to the district, he encouraged all the top fifth graders to transfer to a charter school, most did.
The discrepancies between the english and the math scores had to do with the language issue. Math computation can be done in any language, and there are key vocabulary words that trigger the type of computation needed. I worked my tail off.
I left the area, but some time later it was reported that the FBI, ATF, DEA, L.A. County Sheriffs Department, LAPD, and several small town police departments joined forces against the local gang. It took all those agencies to deal with the environment many students came from. All the teachers in the schools in the area deserve praise and encouragement for facing daily the effects that violence, crime, poverty and other society’s ills have on children. Unlike law enforcement, their only protection and weapons are dry erase markers, chalk, patience, positive reinforcement, and a smile. STOP PICKING ON TEACHERS until you know what is like to be one.

This was based on scores from 74 students out of the 250 I taught over 9 years. I have had an out of classroom position since 2008.

It's sad that the effectiveness and value of a teacher is soley judged by the achievement on a biased test that lacks culturally relevancy. It's sad that instructional pacing for teachers usage is created for exposure to skills and concepts, not mastery of them. It's sad that the effect of a student's socio-economic status and skill mastery from the previous grade is not taken into account. It's sad that the judgement doesn't consider if a student's core needs are being met. Those core needs are food, shelter, safety, and clothing. It's sad that the effects of tracking aren't taken into account. It's sad that parent participation and assistance with students learning is not incorporated. It's sad that the sole responsibility is on the teacher, not the student or the parent. Teaching is a team effort. That team consist of the teacher, administration, students, parents, and community members. It's sad that the Los Angeles Times would publish something so detrimental to a persons character without fully doing the research. It's sad.