School Size and School Climate among Texas Middle School Students as a Function of Programmatic Labels

Abstract

In this investigation, archival data for the 2010-2011 academic school year from the Texas Education Agency Academic Excellence Indicator System were analyzed to determine the extent to which school size was related to school climate as measured by dropout and attendance rates for students labeled as Limited English Proficient or economically disadvantaged in Texas middle schools. After forming three school size groups (i.e., small, medium, and large), students enrolled in medium-size schools (i.e., student enrollment 500 to 859) had the highest dropout rates and the lowest attendance rates. Findings were consistent for both students labeled as Limited English Proficient and for students labeled as economically disadvantaged. Suggestions for future studies are provided.