The study compared nationwide research findings about the districts, superintendents, teachers, programs, and student performance in 642 public school districts with an enrollment of 900 or less to data from a random sample of school districts of similar size in Texas. Data were gathered from superintendents by questionnaire during the 1982-83 school year. Eighty-four of Texas' 1,101 school districts, or 67.7% of those surveyed, responded. While school enrollments, average number of schools per district, and busing distances were similar to national averages, only 15.7% reported declining enrollments, compared to a national average of 36.2%. Bond issues were higher than average in Texas and 54.9% of the districts received state funds, compared to 24.2% nationally. More superintendents held master's degrees but fewer held education specialist or doctoral degrees than the national average. Superintendent salaries were generally higher than nationwide. Teachers/district and teacher/student ratios, as well as teacher turnover, duties, and salaries were close to national averages. Graduating seniors exhibited somewhat higher than average academic achievement and a similar percentage went on to college. District sports offerings compared favorably as did curricula. Fewer districts than average employed psychologists or adult, community, or vocational education directors, but other resource personnel figures were similiar to national averages. (SB)