The Observation Deck

Bill Call wrote:
Why is it that Parma spends less money but gets better results than Cleveland Heights? They are both public school systems.

.

Mr. Call.

I invite you to visit the various websites that compare school district revenues and expenditures, economic and demographic data, and student performance.
There is almost a universal correrlation between socioeconomic status, public school spending, and student performance. It is virtually inarguable.
Parma has less than half the disadvantaged students as Cleveland Heights. Lakewood is almost the exact statistical middle and is in the middle in performance as well.

I would also add that the Parma city school is NOT friendly to children with any disability to the point that I (and several other families I know of) have moved to other neighborhoods to ensure that my/our children get the attention that they need.

Children are sharing books because there are not enough to go around and the drug problem there is beyond belief...

The grass always looks greener, Bill, but there are a lot of things those number DONT tell you. It would be wise to keep that in mind.

Peace,
~Charyn

Joan,

You are right about socioeconomic status. Within a certain range there is no such thing as a good or bad school district. There are only students who are easy to teach and students who are hard to teach.

If all the teachers in a "good school district" exchanged places with all the teachers in a "bad" district, the good district wouldn't become bad and the bad district wouldn't become good.

I can easily imagine the teacher from the "good" district running from the classroom in tears. I don't think the reverse would be true.

In any case , within a certain range, there is virtually no relationship between money spent student performance.

Thanks to all who participated. I will contact the winner next week via private message. Enjoy!

Bill Call wrote:Thanks to all who participated. I will contact the winner next week via private message. Enjoy!

Bill

Public Contest public announcement.

The winner has been notified. This contest is now closed. The winner will be announced on a new post after I have given him the certificate.

Thanks to all who participated.

Jeff Endress has won the contest.

He submitted several thoughtful posts on the subject. I didn't choose a particular post as the winner. I was looking for a variety of ideas. I thank him for his contribution.