Battle Lines Drawn Over Value-Added Teacher Assessment

A tool used in states around the country to assess teacher performance has become a lightning rod in public education circles.

The "value-added assessment" is embraced by the Obama Administration and has financial support from the Gates Foundation. The assessment compares student test performance growth from year to year.

From the Here & Now Contributors Network, Bobby Allyn of WPLN reports that proponents say it's a good tool to measure teachers.

However, some teachers and unions say the evaluations, which are often tied to pay raises and tenure, don't accurately show achievement and are filing lawsuits.