Lessons Learned Estimating Impacts of Extreme Weather on District-Level Achievement

Abstract

The study highlights limitations of using integrated district-level education and county-level weather event data to estimate effects of weather events on student achievement. Limitations included imprecise geographic linkage between weather events and school district, lack of detailed measures of event intensity, and confounding from pre-existing district differences and post-disaster population displacement. These issues may bias impact estimates and obscure true effects. Future analyses should explore more localized and intensity-sensitive weather data and incorporate finer-grained educational outcomes such as attendance and wellbeing. Strengthened partnerships with state and local agencies can improve access to detailed student and event data, enabling more accurate and actionable insights into how districts can prepare for and respond to weather-related disruptions.