Brief examines measurement of high school teacher effectiveness

A variety of methods for measuring student achievement is the best way to assess and improve high school teaching, according to a new brief from the Alliance for Excellent Education. Measuring and Improving the Effectiveness of High School Teachers, made possible with the support of MetLife Foundation, looks at effectiveness—demonstrating contributions to growth in student learning—as a critical attribute of a high-quality teacher.

The brief argues that the best way to measure teacher effectiveness is to measure the amount of growth a student makes over time. Other methodologies are weighed as well, including benchmark exams and measuring teacher knowledge and skill. The brief is available on the Alliance website.