School Effects on Pupil Progress: Research Findings and Policy Implications

Abstract

RUTTER, MICHAEL. School Effects on Pupil Progress: Research Findings and Policy Implications. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1983, 54, 1-29. Some of the differences in conclusions on whether schooling influences pupil progress have stemmed from the use of difference concepts of school effects. These are reviewed in terms of the proportion of the variance accounted for, the reduction of inequality, and the raising of standards. It is argued that multiple indicators of school effectiveness are required; these should include scholastic attainment, classroom behavior, absenteeism, attitudes to learning, continuation in education, employment, and social functioning. The methodological issues inherent in the determination of school effects in raising standards are reviewed, with an emphasis on the need to control for variations in intake and to determine whether the differences among schools in pupil outcome are attributable to measured features of the schools themselves. It is concluded that there are important school effects that probably represent causal influences. The school features that might be responsible for beneficial effects on pupil progress are reviewed in terms of resources and physical plant, size of school and class, organizational structure, composition of student body, degree of academic emphasis, classroom management, discipline and pupil conditions, pupil participation and responsibility, and staff organization. The policy implications that stem from the research findings are considered.