Impacts Of Accountability Indicators And Socioeconomic Factors On Test Scores And Policy Implications

Abstract

Based on a sample of 63 school districts in the state of Louisiana during academic year 2003-2004, we find that a higher (IOWA) test score is associated with higher attendance rates, smaller class sizes, more qualified teachers, more discipline, less spending per student, lower poverty rates, and lower per capita personal income. Therefore, we need to continue to pursue qualified teachers, smaller class sizes, and more discipline.