Date of Award

Spring 5-2009

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Dr. Terry Reid

Second Advisor

Dr. Sherry DeVore

Third Advisor

Dr. Dennis Cooper

Abstract

In this collaborative study, the researchers shared common goals, defined their roles in the review of the literature, and coordinated efforts to thoroughly explore the relationship between teacher salaries and student achievement. Student achievement and teacher salaries obtained from 226 public school districts in Missouri were examined to determine if a significant relationship exists between the two variables. The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) and American College Test (ACT) data were collected from the 2006-2007 academic year. This study utilized a linear regression and a t-test as a means of determining statistical significance between MAP index scores and average teacher salaries. The dependent variable was the MAP index score for 10th grade mathematics, 11th grade communication arts, and ACT index scores. The independent variable was the average teacher salary. The resulting correlations established a measure for determining whether or not to accept the null hypotheses at the .05 level of probability. The findings from this study suggested that a relationship exists between higher teacher salaries and increased MAP and ACT scores.

Rights

Copyright 2009

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