In league tables, what does a value-added measure show?

• A. A value-added measure showing improvement over time
• B. A raw result measure only
• C. No measurement of student progress
• D. Only teacher assessments

Answer: (A)

Value-added measures focus on growth, not just where students are at a single point. In league tables, they show how much students have improved between two points, after accounting for what would be expected from their starting level. By comparing actual progress to expected progress, the measure captures the school’s contribution to learning over time. That’s why it’s the best description: it reflects improvement over time. A raw result would only show current attainment, not growth; saying there’s no measurement of progress or relying solely on teacher assessments wouldn’t capture the school’s impact on progress in the way value-added does.