Determinants of School Performance in New York Elementary Schools: Results and Implications for Resource Use

This study seeks to identify and better understand factors that determine differences in performance/efficiency between various schools. It also examines through statistical analysis strengths and weaknesses of the production-function based approach to assessing school performance in New York City schools. The authors conclude that there is no statistical way to select a school performance/efficiency measure because results can vary significantly depending on how performance is defined. They contend this leads to important implications regarding the ability to accurately rank schools.