Monthly Archives: June 2014

The Value Added Model is still a Model that Disvalues

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The Value Added Model is still a Model that Disvalues

wpid-Cavener-Headshot.jpgBy Levi B Cavener

Superintendent Tom Luna, last week, was kind enough to respond to my concerned regarding SBAC testing and the Value Added Model (VAM) for special education students.  I am appreciative of his feedback, but I am critical of several elements in his response.

I am concerned that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC, appointed by Luna) is not working collaboratively with the Tiered Licensure Committee.  I have heard several comments from this committee that they have not seen recommendations from the TAC committee.  This concerns me greatly.

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Superintendent Luna’s Response to Concern over Tiered Teaching Certification Proposal

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LunaSuperintendent Tom Luna replied back to me regarding my recent OpEd article which laid out my concern about the proposed tiered teacher certification and value added model.

I do have a follow up commentary planned for his response soon, but for today I’ll let him speak for himself.  His response, in full, is below. Continue reading →

IEA President, Penny Cyr, Responds to Tiered Licensure: Administrators will Have the Power to Revoke Certification

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cyrLast week I sent my concern about the impact the proposed tiered teacher certification and Value Added Model (VAM) model to all members of the Career Ladder / Tiered Licensure Committee.

It was my hope to make sure special education students are a priority as this new possible model is being discussed, obtain some answers regarding the draft language, along with getting some input from committee members and lawmakers on their personal feelings regarding the proposed model. Continue reading →

Will they Respond?

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By Levi B Cavener

why-you-no-replyDuring last year’s legislative session I sent dozens of emails to various state representatives and senators.

I understand that the session is a marathon of sorts with in incredible amount of work to be accomplished in a very short period of time.  I also get that during this time legislators are inundated with phone calls and emails from citizens across the state.

In other words, I get that they’re busy.  Yet, I was flabbergasted when I didn’t receive a single response from a single representative or senator.  None.  Zip.
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Special Education Should be Concerned About a Model That Devalues

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By Levi B Cavener

Levi B CavenerDuring this year’s Idaho legislative session a new tiered certification model was discussed as part of the recommendations from the Governor’s Education Task Force. Buried in this model has a barely discussed, but particularly insidious, implication for special education teachers and students.

At the core of this issue is the Value Added Model, or VAM. Part of the discussed tiered teacher certification model will rely on student achievement based on standardized student test scores; in Idaho this data will be collected in the form of  the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium,  or SBAC. Continue reading →