Association of Home Literacy, School Climate, and Teacher Classroom Method With Student Civics Knowledge Scores

• In Event: 16.057 - Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: 16.057-24 - Issues Affecting K–12 Social Studies Instruction

Abstract

In this study, a two level hierarchical linear model was used to examine the relationship between civic knowledge scores and two elements of socioeconomic status (SES) which are parent education and home literacy measured as the number of books that the family has at home, school climate and teacher classroom methods. Results indicate the both elements of SES variables were uniquely associated with students’ civic knowledge scores, and that a contextual effects variable, especially mean home literacy, makes a difference on civic knowledge as large as or more than the individual or family characteristics. Implications of the results related to the educational policy were discussed.

Authors

• Chris Gregory, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Yasuo Miyazaki, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University