Apologies for cross-posting!

The University of Central Lancashire will be hosting a one-day
conference on the topic:

 -Exploring +Value-Added+ Performance Indicators in Higher Education-

to be held in Preston on

Wednesday 12 May 1999,
9.30 am - 4.00 pm.

+Value-Added+ has become an increasingly important theme for education.
The Government has placed a strong emphasis on the improvement of
performance and results of a +Value-Added Pilot+ for secondary schools
was published alongside the annual performance tables in December 1998.
A DfEE-sponsored study of value-added in 16-19 education illustrated the
use of statistical techniques, such as multi-level modeling, in
education.  Performance Indicators (PIs) for higher education are
becoming well-established and the Higher Education Funding Council for
England (HEFCE) is embarking on a major consultation exercise on PIs
this spring (Report 99/11 +Performance Indicators in Higher Education -
First Report of the Performance Indicators Steering Group+).

+Value-Added+ measures have been used previously in ranking University
performance, most notably in the Times +Good University Guide+ league
table some years ago but this was subsequently abandoned.  Some academic
research has been conducted into +value-added+ measures of student
performance, but has been oriented around traditional students (those
entering a full-time degree course as 18 year olds with A levels).
There is no commonly agreed methodology as to what constitutes
+value-added+, what programmes it might be applied to (e.g. HND as well
as Degree) and what measures might be used on both the input and output
side.

This conference therefore provides a timely opportunity to explore these
issues.  A range of speakers have already been confirmed, including a
key-note address from Lesley Wagner, Vice Chancellor of Leeds
Metropolitan University and a leading advocate of the use of
value-added.  Speakers from HEFCE will report on their work to establish
a longitudinal database of student data from the HESA student return
from which PIs can be derived, including -expected outcome- measures.
Other speakers will reflect on the relevance of recent value-added
calculations for schools to higher education and on whether newspaper
league tables might include value-added measures.

A full programme will be published shortly, but anyone who has
suggestions for further content particularly the results of any
interesting research or case studies from HEIs, is asked to contact the
Conference Convenor, Mike Milne-Picken, Head of Planning at the
University of Central Lancashire (e-mail: [log in to unmask]).

If you are interested in attending the conference, please contact Louise
Monks on 01772 892258 (e-mail: [log in to unmask]) to receive a
booking form and other details.


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