This paper describes efforts to develop indices of student achievement, school district effort, and school district efficiency. The challenge was to develop measures that are simple to understand, yet allow comparison among districts that are not distorted by socioeconomic differences. Measures were developed for average student achievement, average school district effectiveness, and school district efficiency. Data analysis ranked the top 10 and bottom 10 districts in western New York state along each index. Data were obtained from annual State Education Department reports, "The State of Learning" reports, and media rankings of districts. Some of the policy implications suggest better use and coordination of resources already available for educational and social-support services. Other implications point to the need for additional resources for school districts that serve high proportions of students from lower socioeconomic-status families. Values of the Comer School Development Program, Glassner's Quality-School approach, Slavin's Success for All network, the Accelerated Schools network, and Sizer's Coalition of Essential Schools are described. In conclusion, the consideration of more dimensions of school-district performance reveals that many districts, not normally recognized for their effectiveness, are making important contributions to the intellectual growth of their students. Five tables and appendices containing statistical tables are included. (Contains 47 references.) (LMI)