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Contextual Value Added Explained

What is Contextual Value Added?

Contextual Value Added (CVA) is a measure of how well pupils have achieved relative to what they might have been expected to achieve.

The ‘expectation’ is produced by a mathematical model that takes into account not only each pupil’s prior attainment but also a range of contextual factors, e.g. gender, month of birth, SEN, EAL, ethnic origin, economic deprivation etc.

The principle is that the contextual factors used are factors which affect performance and are outside of the school's control.

(Traditionally value added calculations have been based only on prior attainment.)

The size of the effect of each of these contextual factors on performance is calculated by analysing national data.

How can I find out the values of the various contextual coefficients used?

To find out more about the CVA model used in PAT/PANDA, go to:

• www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk

This page includes downloadable Ready Reckoners and a full list of coefficients.

Are there contextualised models available for setting pupil targets?

The general principle here is contextual factors should not be taken into account when setting targets, as to do so would embed under-expectation of some pupil groups. Contextual factors are only applied to retrospective analysis of pupil performance.

Having said that, however, the estimates produced by the Fischer Family Trust do use gender and month of birth in addition to prior attainment as a basis for calculating likely outcomes if “similar” pupils make similar progress.

What is the difference between the various models used in the Fischer Family Trust reports?

The following diagram shows the different elements used in the FFT models of Contextual Value Added. The PA and SE models are equivalent (respectively) to the A and B models of pupil performance estimate that the FFT produces.

The SX model also includes a range of pupil level contextual factors.

Why do the Fischer Family Trust reports and PAT/PANDA reports give different results for CVA?

 FFT and OFSTED use similar but not identical methodologies for the calculation of CVA.

The following table shows some of the differences:

What are IDACI scores and ACORN data?

IDACI is the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index, a measure devised for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

IDACI codes range from 0.00 (least deprived) to 0.99 (most deprived).

They are not specific at the level of whole post-code, instead they relate to what are called Lower Level Super Output Areas (similar size to electoral wards).

To determine the IDACI score for any Hertfordshire postcode, follow these 2 steps:

• find out to which Lower Level Super Output Area that postcode belongs by going to www.gigateway.org.uk/areasearch and typing in the postcode (the SOA is the penultimate item in the table that appears on screen)
• use the following spreadsheet to match the SOA to the IDACI

• Excel 2003, 91kb/1 sheet, 21/02/2006, idaci_2004_herts.xls

N.B. this spreadsheet has been derived from a national-level spreadsheet, which can be downloaded from the ODPM at:

• www.odpm.gov.uk/

You can also find useful information about any Super Output Areas, including a map, by going to the area:

• www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk

ACORN stands for A Classification of Regional Neighbourhoods. The data is derived from census information and it classifies every UK street as one of 56 categories. Conclusions about economic status and habits can then be drawn at the level of the whole post-code.

For more information go to www.caci.co.uk/acorn

To find out the 56 ACORN categories, click on the link ‘ACORN map’ from the above website.

To find out the ACORN category for any given postcode, click on the link ‘Your ACORN type’. You need to register to use this facility – registering is free and allows you to investigate up to 20 postcodes.

What difference does it make whether you use IDACI or ACORN to indicate economic deprivation?

There is likely to be a difference if your local area has a high diversity of property types and values. For example, a Super Output Area might be ranked as ‘average’ (IDACI=0.5), whereas it might consist of some streets designated by ACORN as “Wealthy Achievers, Flourishing Families” and others designated “Hard Pressed, High Rise Hardship”. Clearly, the measure that takes into account the whole post-code (ACORN) is going to apply more accurate socio-economic factors to each pupil than the IDACI code, which puts all pupils from the same SOA in the same category.

Where can I find more information?

The Fischer Family Trust’s website includes various downloadable materials including examples of each type of FFT report and explanations.

• www.fischertrust.org

The following 2 documents have been sourced from the FFT website:

• www.fischertrust.org/

Frequently Asked Questions about FFT Estimates

• Acrobat pdf, 14kb/2 pages, 21/02/2006, FFT_P1_7_faq.pdf

Technical information on both FFT and Ofsted calculations of contextualised value added

• Acrobat pdf, 61kb/5 pages, 21/02/2006, fft_models_summary.pdf