Project #UR040
Project Number: UR040
Project Title: Comparative Analysis of Michigan School District Performance in the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Era
Faculty Sponsor: Dana Dyson
Department: Political Science
Telephone: 810.762.3340
E-Mail: dysond@umflint.edu
Proposed Starting Date: 03/16/2009
Proposed Ending Date: 05/02/2009
Student in mind: No
Number of hours to work per week: 1-6 hours
Project Description: (Abstract) Reforms in American Public Education have not resolved the wide academic performance gap between schools in poor, large, urban centers verse schools in wealthier areas. Aggregate performance outcomes on state achievement test reveal some school districts consistently outperform others, a few fluctuate somewhere between above and at acceptable levels, while still others struggle miserably to meet state standards. Research shows that differences in outcomes span geographical areas, socioeconomic levels and local political influences.
My approach to investigating performance outcomes is to examine the quality and quantity of monetary and non-monetary resources allocated toward improving performance outcomes. The research project explores the variation in resource distribution in 517 Michigan Public School Districts. It is my contention that some school districts perform poorly because they lack adequate resources to educate poorer students.
I argue that school districts provide adequate education to their students based on the resources at their disposal. I suggest that these resources take the form of resources such that districts possess a given amount of accumulated resources, wealth and interest that could be drawn on later. Intuitively, districts with lesser amounts of resources will face greater constraints in their capacity to educate students and improve performance outcomes. Equally, those districts rich in resources are prepared to invest in their students.
The study of school effects is important because understanding how contextual factors influence school district performance provides evidence for modifying reform measures to generate change and to improve student performance outcomes.
Using factor and regression analyses, this study measures the relationship between school, financial, social and political resources and student performance outcomes, empirically. The dependent variables in the model measure student performance at the district level, e.g., graduation rates, standardized assessment scores in reading and mathematics. Independent variables include school, financial, social and political information. My units of analysis are school districts in the State of Michigan. The comparative years under study are 2002-2007. My major research question is; what external and contextual factors in the State of Michigan as it relates to monetary and non-monetary resources affect school district performance? How do school districts vary in their possession of resources? Examining similarities and differences along various lines, e.g., racial, ethnical, and demographical will help us understand variability between schools. The model will serve as a paradigm for improving underperforming schools.
Student Tasks & Responsibilities: Data Retrieval & Entry, Create and maintain database and file log
Minimum Student Qualifications:
* Self-Starter
* Data entry experience a plus, but not required
* Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
* Good verbal and written communication skills