How Methodology Decisions Affect the Variability of Schools Identified as Beating the Odds. REL 2015-071.

Methodology decisions can affect which schools are identified as “beating the odds”—that is, performing better than expected given the populations they serve. Using data from Michigan, this study demonstrates how the identification of schools changes when statistical methods and technical specifications change. The methodology choices made in identifying beating-the-odds schools are policy decisions that require careful consideration.