The Relationship Between the Performance Excellence Framework for Education and Student Achievement

The purpose of this study was to identify whether or not there exists a relationship between student achievement and the Performance Excellence Framework (PEF) for Education. Developed by the Malcolm Baldrige Foundation, the PEF for Education offers a performance management process that educational organizations can use to guide efforts to improve their effectiveness and capabilities, which can lead to improved student achievement. It is grounded in systems theory and total quality management principles. The Malcolm Baldrige Foundation has also developed a self-assessment tool in the form of a survey entitled, Are We Making Progress (AWMP). The survey is categorized by the seven organizational factors that represent the Performance Excellence Framework.;The current study evaluated responses to the AWMP survey from 402 employees in two southern California K--12 school districts using a t-test and chi-square analysis. Due to the limited research associated with the survey and the PEF for Education, this study used a principal component analysis to determine the best model that fit the collected survey data. Results revealed that a three-component model best fit the survey data. Additionally, the t-test revealed no relationship between the framework as measured by the survey and student achievement. The chi-square analysis revealed a weak relationship between four variables on the survey and student achievement. Recommendations highlight the need to conduct additional research associated with the AWMP survey and the PEF because it has demonstrated promise in the field of education.