Bruce Halpern

A 2nd grade teacher at Bonita Street 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, Halpern 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.
Average in English. 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.

Halpern's LAUSD teaching history

2002-03 through 2008-09 academic years

Bonita Street Elementary, 2009 - 2003

Bruce Halpern's Response:

I have problem with an over-reliance on the sole use of value-added methodology – a controversial, much disputed and largely unproven means to evaluate teachers. One of my strengths, for instance, is in the area of writing, and it is not being tested. The CST student tests are limited and do not encompass the wholistic approach I have to teaching. We are concerned that like so many others, the Times is satisfied
with painting our teachers, our schools and our public education system with a broad brush without taking any time to fill in the colors. It’s an approach that does a disservice to our students, their parents, our teachers and our community. We already use these tests to discover weaknesses and create programs to strengthen these areas, but we are already teaching too much to the tests and are in danger of creating a whole generation of students that cannot think or reason, and thus, will not be prepared to compete in the work place, or even simply just learn how to live a good life.
An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life. ~Author Unknown

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.