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New Superintendent’s Use of Value-Added Analysis Cited in L.A. Times Article

On October 18, 2009, the Los Angeles Times published an article about HISD’s new Superintendent of Schools Terry B. Grier, and how he became a supporter of the “value-added” analysis method of evaluating teaching and learning in public schools.

The article chronicles Dr. Grier’s first exposure to the evaluation system while still a superintendent in Tennessee, and his subsequent efforts to implement and strengthen the system in other districts, such as San Diego Unified in California and Guilford County in North Carolina.

To read the full article, visit the Los Angeles Times’ Web site. To learn more about HISD’s use of value-added methodology (through its ASPIRE initiative, which was launched during the 2007–2008 school year), visit www.houstonisd.org/ASPIRE.

ASPIRE has already helped HISD achieve significant results, including greater numbers of “recognized” and “exemplary” rated schools, and record-breaking bonuses for educators—and people are starting to take notice. In fact, in March of 2009, ASPIRE earned the district its second Magna Award from the American School Board Journal, and in January, HISD was named Houston’s Greatest Nonprofit Business Organization by the Greater Houston Partnership.