Test Scores , Dropout Rates , and Transfer Rates as Alternative Indicators of High School - Performance , -

This study investigated the relationships'among several different indicators of high schoolperformance: test scores; dropout rates, transfer rates, and attrition rates. Hierarchical inear models were used to analyzepanel datafrom a sample of 14J199 studenis who took part in the National Education Longitudinal' Survey of 1988. The results generally support the' notion'of an alternative'as opposed to a common view of school effectiveness: Schools that are effective in promoting student learning (growth in achievement) are not necessarily effec'tive in reducing dropout ortransfer rates. Infact, after controlforstudent inputs; high schools exhibit relatively little variability in dropout rates but considerable variation in transfer rates. In addition, characteristics of schools that con-, tributed toperformance in one irea often did not contribute to performance in another. Given these findings; the duthors suggest that, along with test scores, dropout and transfer rates should be used to judge schoblperformance.