Predicting COVID-19’s Effects on Education Quality with Arizona

Abstract

This study is intended to find an accurate predictor of how Covid-19 has affected class sizes and education quality for middle schools within the state of Arizona. Specifically, the study focuses on the following socioeconomic factors: per pupil revenue costs, school management, student-teacher ratios, and school funding. In order to produce data for prediction and inference, random middle schools (n = 120) were surveyed through various databases such as US News, Statistical Atlas, and the Arizona School Finance Dashboard. The findings show that there is not a significant correlation for the impact of percent poverty on student spending or student-teacher ratios. However, there is a correlation between student-teacher ratios and per pupil revenue costs. This shows how higher student-teacher ratios will lead to less spending per student, decreasing education quality and putting into light how multiple factors may influence classroom size within Arizona. Through the results of this study, future researchers and policymakers should be able to make prudent decisions regarding the issue of class sizes and post-COVID problems within their districts. This analysis allows for possible solutions to be drafted in order to address this issue and make a more effective and safe learning environment for students.

Keywords: Arizona, Class Size, Education Quality, Student-Teacher Ratios, Per Pupil Revenue, COVID-19, School, Education