Productivity is a core value in how social organizations are structured and governed. Operating costs, outcomes and political context need to be examined in an analysis of productivity. Central to studies of the politics of school productivity is an understanding of the key role of politics and ideology in framing the complex issues of poverty and equal education opportunity. Debates about educational productivity will not be fruitful if only the technical merits of statistical procedures and research methodologies are considered. Education production research must also take into account purpose, values, and politics to be meaningful.
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