The relationship between school funding and academic performance in Washington County public high schools

To determine whether a significant relationship exists between educational funding and pupil achievement as measured by standardized test scores, a study was conducted using statistical analysis of data from the seven public school districts in Washington County, Oregon. Data were collected for the five school years from 1984-85 to 1988-89. Standardized test scores included mean SAT figures and mean 11th grade SRA figures for each of those years. Funding was defined as per pupil expenditures per year. Results of the study indicated a low negative correlation between the variables. This finding was discounted by making note of the small statistical sample and a call for more research was made before final conclusions could be drawn. Implications for that research and the future of Washington County education in general were also discussed