An alternative method of identifying effective schools, based on the concept of effective schools as statistically atypical, was tested. This paper investigates the issue of consistency of the identification of what is termed "exceptional" schools. The following tests were administered to all first through fourth graders in 431 schools…

Kanawha County (West Virginia) schools use Z-scores to identify elementary students eligible for Chapter 1 services in reading and mathematics. A probit analysis of over 500 previously served students was used to determine the variables and weights in the Z-score equations. Independent variables were chosen from those commonly used to identify…