School building quality and student performance in South Carolina public high schools: A structural equation model

This study attempts to identify conditions of school building quality that relate to the performance of students in public high schools in South Carolina. The amount of data collected in this area is relatively small, and the researcher wishes to add South Carolina to the list of states that are slowly developing a means to assess school condition. The primary research question in the study asks: How does the condition of a school facility affect student performance, as measured by the High School Assessment Program? The results are analyzed using AMOS in lieu of more traditional statistical approaches. AMOS provides a higher level of sophistication in terms of analysis and provided for stronger results. Results of the study indicate that five areas related to school facility condition affect student performance, including the equipment found in science labs, the cosmetic condition of paint and furniture, the ability to supervise and provide security, the adequacy of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and the availability, functionality and size of athletic facilities