Curious Georgia studies economics: the tale of a researcher and a superintendent who debate the merits of measuring a school system's level of educational efficiency.
School Administrator › Vol. 64 Nbr. 5, May 2007
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Curious Georgia studies economics: the tale of a researcher and a superintendent who debate the merits of measuring a school system's level of educational efficiency.
District and school administrators are challenged to provide learning environments that help students attain and surpass set levels of academic and social learning. In times of economic strife, discussions often turn to the efficient use of financial and human resources to maximize school districts' capacity to fulfill those objectives.
Most efficiency theories assume that public school administrators act similarly to managers of private businesses and thus pursue strategies aimed at minimizing costs. But school administrators know their organizations are structured to support management strategies characterized by budget maximization. Therefore, the cost-minimizing assumptions associated with traditional efficiency analyses are not well-suited for evaluating the efficiency of public schools and districts. Measuring educational efficiency in public districts and schools requires alternative methods of analysis, as illustrated in this hypothetical case study set in Tennessee. Setting the Stage Georgia Madison has been the superinten...See the full content of this document
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