(continued from page 15 - What Matters?) population. The positive correlation at .45 (Pearson-r) for math scores and .41 for ELA scores is as strong a relationship as we find. Likewise Operational Efficiency explains 20% of the variance in test scores based on the r-squared analysis (.20 for math, .17 for ELA). This is exceeded only by the FRL eligibility and census poverty as a determinant of test score performance. I would suggest the reason is that schools where people are focused on putting everything they can into the classroom are the schools where students also give a little more. Second, we know that an “A” school is a school operating under a certain set of circumstances not likely to be found in a rural community. This means that when you find a rural school operating at the high “B” level, things are going well. And what are the things that are going well? They are the kinds of things that leaders can affect. Operational efficiency is a measure of how much emphasis is placed on using the resources provided to the school district to meet the needs of the students. How much of each dollar are we getting in the classroom? This is the product of the difficult decisions leaders make each day. Should the state accountability system recognize the correlation between high operational efficiency and higher levels of student achievement? That is a meaningful question we should look for opportunities to discuss. If you are interested in discussing this and dozens of other issues related to rural education, I would encourage you to attend the National Forum to Advance Rural Education, November 11-12, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Melissa Sadorf and I will be presenting this analysis and Mr. Milan Eaton and I will be presenting on The Final Mile Project. If you attend one national conference this year, I would strongly recommend that you find the time to make it to Indianapolis in November. The Tosca Law Firm, PLC (928) 274-9696 www.toscalaw.com Serving Rural School Districts for Over Ten Years | Arizona School Risk Retention Trust Panel Counsel Call to schedule a consultation to determine how the Firm may best serve the legal needs of your school district. Page 13 “Stronger Together!”
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