This data is based on only two years of teaching. I have not had a classroom of children since spring of 2007.

Shame on the LA Times for using public humiliation of teachers as a vehicle to sell papers. What next? Public beatings or canings for those not making the grade? It is a sad day for humankind and the fate of education in our country.

Looking at data is crucial to effective teaching. After my first year of teaching, I was able to examine the CST data from that first class to see that my teaching was ineffective. I was therefore able to change elements of my practice to become much more effective the following years as a fourth grade teacher. Unfortunately, data from the 09-10 school year is not included in these results. I am interested in seeing a growth model for teachers over their years of teaching. For example, rating teachers on their effectiveness on separate graphs for each of the last five school years to see growth over time.

Student levels need to be taken into consideration when evaluating teacher performance. For instance, if students arrive to the class already FBB or 2 years below grade level, the outcomes may differ those compared to another group who enters a particular grade performing at grade level. Behavior and Family Life need to be taken into consideration.

As teachers we are faced with many challenges, and our goal is to surpass those challenges and offer optimal education to our students. My mission is for my children to become critical thinkers, independent and active learners. Thus, my goal is for them to be knowledgeable and not be taught by the test. It is so discouraging and I take personal offense from the L.A Times to score us, I feel no respect and am saddened. Attacking the teachers is not going to solve the problem.

I think the Times has done an excellent job here and should be commended.Teachers need know how well they are meeting their students academic needs year after year.Those teachers whose students are not performing well need to know and seek help to modify their teaching strategies,and those teachers whose students are doing well need to know that too.The Distric should use these data to help all teachers improve their teaching methods.

It is unfair that a teacher be rated soley on test scores. I was on medical leave for 3 months in 2009 and my principal did not put a long-term substitute in the classroom. Also, the attitude of the principal is so important! In every school, the principal has his/her favorites. If you are not a "brown-noser" then it is difficult to get the support and guidance that is needed.

Teachers who get highly ranked are most likely "cookie cutter" teachers: those who robotically read their scripted teacher's edition and follow a program, exactly. When does creativity, fun, laughter, and inspiration enter the classroom? Why do these kids have to miss out on the learning experiences that private/charter/non-minority schools offer?

This year I experienced cheating on the CST amongst my colleagues. Yes, cheating. This will be a serious problem in the future...it's already going on and it will get worse.

I know I am a good teacher, that I add value to each student's learning year and that my students are doing well. I give my students so much. This year I will need to change my philosophy of teaching history, art, physical education, dance, and music...I will "teach to the test" as I believe that is what my current principal desires. The direction we are going in is wrong...for the teachers, students, parents, and community.

Interesting. My data shows the opposite; that I was more effective in mathematics than Language Arts. Regardless, I am pleased that you are attempting to rate teachers based on more than just CST data. However, the limitations you have stated (the complexity of the underlying statistical models)renders your assessment of effectiveness to the aforementioned "interesting" category in my book. Your measure cannot begin to accurately measure my effectiveness as a teacher considering the personal home lives of many of the students I am severely dedicated to in the area of town that I serve. Please keep trying!

I was disappointed to learn that my scores were a few points below average (2 - 4 points). I must admit I anticipated a better score however I don't mind that they are making the scores public as I have never placed as much (comparatively speaking) emphasis on standardized test scores as the LAUSD itself.

I do believe there are qualities, factors and other results that go into effective teaching that are far less quantitatively measured. This summer, I have run into or been contacted by three former students. They are all doing well, have good memories of their year in my class and expressed gratitude for my preparing them for middle school. I will place my emphasis on that and not a convoluted percentile score.

I will say that I applaud the further investigation into our failing schools and believe that any infringement on the part of our union is a mistake. History is filled with examples of the greater majority trying to restrain the minority - it has always failed. The desire to obscure or conceal is only caused by the thoughts of inadequacy or imperfection. Let us collectively, "Lift the Educational Rug" off all that has been swept under it by our by politicians, union presidents and administrators.

Our educational system is simply a mirror of our social system - the quicker light is brought to this reality - the better.

Thank you for your investigative diligence.

I was not surprised by my value added measure simply because at Sunrise it has been our practice to view our incoming students' prior year's test scores at the onset of the new school year and then again after in the following school year. When Jason Song came to our school he stated that he was there to research why it was that our school compared to others of similar backgrounds was outperforming them. Jason Song was interested in researching what successful teachers have in common. Furthermore, Jason said that--without mentioning names--are there teachers here at your school who you believe are not good teachers ? Frankly, I said, " Jason, of course there are some that might need to improve, but, lets be clear, in any profession there are those that need to improve. There are doctors, lawyers, etc. that need to improve. Do you think that I think that every writer for the Los Angeles Times is a good writer ?" Are public servants such as police officers and doctors job performances going to be made public?