When schools are compared, there are variables that need to be considered because the playing field is not level. This paper discusses concepts and generalizations that must be understood to interpret test results and school report cards properly. There are many limitations in using test results to compare schools, particularly since students may…

It is difficult to know the information that should be included on state report cards to enable comparisons among school districts and among different states. There may be many problems with such report cards, ranging from the possibility of computer error to the chance of reporting test scores that are not reliable or valid or the use of tests…

Report cards on schools have become common in many states, but their contents and formats vary widely. To study the variations and to determine if the differences in presentation have anything to do with presenting valuable data or with educational policy, a study was undertaken of the report cards of Southeastern states. Five states (Florida,…