Comparing the Impact of Interventions to Support Children in Poverty

• In Event: Poverty, Early Social Supports, and Child Outcomes

Abstract

City Connects (CCNX) is a student support intervention that partners with community agencies and institutions to promote the strengths and meet the needs of students in high-poverty urban elementary schools. CCNX is currently in place in 25 high-poverty urban public elementary and middle schools across two Massachusetts districts. In this paper, we compare the impact (in effect sizes) of CCNX on student academic achievement with that for other interventions targeted at improving the life chances of children growing up in poverty. Magnitude of program effects on academic outcomes is compared to reported program cost. Considering the relative costs and benefits of programs may be helpful as multiple educational reforms are proposed to address poverty-related disparities in academic achievement.

Authors

• Erin Sibley, Boston College

• Anastasia E. Raczek, Boston College

• Eric Dearing, Boston College

• Mary Walsh, Boston College