Student value-added score columns in Connect - October 2024
New Feature Release announcement
Student VAS columns in Connect
The Student VAS or value-added score is a quantitative measurement of how much progress an individual student has made over all subjects in relation to the aspiration at the 75th percentile.
In this latest release, we have calculated the student VAS for A level and for Key Stage 4 only. You will find additional columns in the Student Analysis Overview which allow you to see and sort the Student VAS numbers.
The Student VAS works in the same way as all other value-added calculations in Connect (see below) and offers an additional quantitative value by which to determine intervention opportunities.
In particular, in the absence of Progress 8 in England, it provides a realistic alternative to student level quantitative analysis at KS4.
The video below gives you a brief overview of the Student VAS in Connect.
Where can I find the Student VAS?
On logging in to Connect, select the Gradepoint you want to view. Click in to the Student Analysis Overview section.
In the overview page, you will see a new column called A level Student VAS
Or KS4 Student VAS
How is the Student VAS calculated?
All value-added calculations in Connect use the VA equation below:
For A level, we have used all A level courses taken by each individual student to generate a value-added number that rotates around 1.00 in line with all other value-added measurements in the analysis.
- The actual points is the total points achieved across all subjects. Where a student is studying a mixture of A level and vocational qualifications, we have only used the A level points.
- The Expected Points are the points derived from our benchmark tables. Students are assigned to Alps prior attainment bands and each band has a Minimum Expected Points value. The MEP is generated from the average points achieved by students in a given band in the provider at the 75th percentile nationally. The MEPs are translated into the MEG within Connect, but calculations will always use the MEP as the Expected Points value.
- The number of entries would be the number of A level qualifications taken by that student.
- The 'x100' denominator means that at A level, 0.2 of a score difference equates to a grade.
At Key Stage 4, the formula is the same with same definitions. The denominator is now 'x5' to bring the calculation in line with GCSE points.
All KS4 subjects contribute to the calculation - GCSE and vocational subjects.
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