TAPTM: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement was launched in 1999 as a comprehensive
educator effectiveness model to offer career advancement and leadership opportunities for educators, a
fair and transparent evaluation process linked to job-embedded professional development and
performance-based compensation, which culminate in improved instructional practices and student
achievement.
This study illustrates the impact of the TAP System in 66 Louisiana schools. These are primarily highneed
schools, with average free/reduced price lunch eligibility of 86%, impacting more than 32,000
students each year. We report evidence of a positive effect of the TAP System on student achievement
using two complementary analysis strategies:
? We found a significant positive effect of TAP on 2012-13 K-8 Assessment Index scores,
controlling for previous achievement, percentage of students receiving free or reduced price
lunch, school configuration, school size (number of students), and percentage of English
language learners. The 66 TAP schools scored 3.7 points higher on average than non-TAP schools
statewide.
? We also found that the TAP schools had significantly greater 2012-13 Assessment Index scores
than a group of matched control schools. The TAP schools scored 5.5 points higher on average
than their matched controls.
The application of propensity score matched-control methodology to this large group of Louisiana
schools provides robust evidence of significantly increased achievement growth in TAP schools