A comparison of district-level variables and state accountability test results for public elementary and middle schools

The current study examined factors that affect assessment scores of public elementary and middle school students. It was hypothesized that non-instructional district-level variables would significantly predict state accountability test (SACT) results for these schools. Data for Michigan school districts were gathered on several district-level variables including free or reduced breakfast and/or lunch (FRL), pupil/teacher ratio (PTR), and foundation allowance per pupil (FA). These variables were compared to scores from the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) for mathematics, reading, and writing tests for grades 4 through 8 in each Michigan school district. Results of this study suggested that the FRL was the only significant predictor of statewide achievement scores. Potential implications and suggestions for future research are included.