Measuring teacher performance with student test scores

Earlier this month the L.A. Times stated they will release ratings for 6,000 teachers based on a value-added measure of teacher performance using student standardized test scores (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/15/local/la-me-teachers-value-about-20100815).
The Economic Policy Institute has released a briefing paper regarding the problems with using student test scores to evaluate teachers:  http://epi.3cdn.net/724cd9a1eb91c40ff0_hwm6iij90.pdf.                                                               What do you think?

Another academic year begins

Tomorrow is the start of our academic year and I am very excited to meet my new students. One of my goals for this year is to find as many free "nifty" resources for educators and compile a list for my students and colleagues. If you see anything you would like to share, please feel free to pass it along.
Happy First Day of School!