The purpose for this quantitative non-experimental, correlational, explanatory study was to determine the predictive accuracy of family and community demographic variables found in United States census data at the community level for the OST in reading. Specifically, the study extended the work in order to analyze the reading student proficiency…

Examines economic, social, and fiscal indicators available from federal data sources that can be used in classification systems for rural school districts. Compares the strengths and weaknesses of the various indicators. Recommends that researchers use multiple indicators or alternative data sources to mitigate potential problems of unintentional…

This paper is a critique of the utility of Bidwell and Kasarda's "socio-ecological" model of school district-level academic achievement. The paper is considered to show that this model is seriously misspecified due to its omission of aggregate levels of academic ability. Based on achievement test data from the 24 school district of the…

A study was done of factors affecting differences in teacher salaries among Vermont towns. Data from 181 local education agencies were used for the study and a set of factors was examined that included family, community, and school information to determine what influences teacher salaries. Findings included the following: (1) average teacher's…