Analyzing the Benefits and Costs of Comprehensive Student Support Models

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Beyond the Schoolhouse: Envisioning Comprehensive Student Supports

Abstract

Students from disadvantaged family face multiple out-of-school barriers to learning such as limited financial resources, higher levels of stress and poorer health (e.g., Dearing & Taylor, 2007; Conger & Conger, 2002; Basch, 2011). “Comprehensive student support” or “wraparound services” models refer to schools’ efforts in becoming a hub of supporting students’ needs beyond just academics in partner with community based organizations with expertise in various social services. This paper explores the costs and benefits of one of such comprehensive student support programs called City Connects and efficiency that this type of program can bring to schools. Our benefit-cost analysis shows that the program generates benefits that exceed the costs and that this type of intervention is a viable policy option.

Authors

• A. Brooks Bowden, North Carolina State University

• Robert Shand, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Henry M. Levin, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Atsuko Muroga, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Clive Belfield, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Anyi Wang, Teachers College, Columbia University