A study conducted by MIT scholars suggests that widely used school quality ratings may not accurately reflect a school’s contribution to learning gains, as they are heavily influenced by the preparation and family background of the students. This study, which focuses on the Denver and New York City school districts, aims to improve the measurement of school quality by considering changes in test scores and adjusting for racial composition. The researchers found that conventional school ratings are strongly correlated with race, with white and Asian students often attending higher-rated schools. The researchers hope that their findings will prompt districts to improve their methods of measuring and reporting school quality, with the aim of better serving all students.
https://news.mit.edu/2024/perception-good-schools-student-preparation-dependent-0328
