Understanding the Relationships Between Poverty, School Factors, and Student Achievement

• In Event: 28.038 - Innovative Approaches to Measuring and Serving Students Experiencing Poverty

Abstract

A large, diverse school district conducted a longitudinal study of the relationship between student poverty, school factors, and student achievement. While the link between socioeconomic status and achievement is well established, this study builds on prior research by constructing measures of persistent and transitory poverty. Using administrative data from 2011-2012 through 2016-2017, we find that the gaps observed in spring of fifth grade are similar to the gaps in the fall of kindergarten, when these students first entered the school district. Schools serving high proportions of students persistently impacted by poverty have less favorable school climates. Since attendance and the proportion of novice teachers predicted student gains, efforts to address these factors may help schools improve student outcomes.

Authors

• Cara Jackson, Bellwether Education Partners

• Kecia L. Addison, Montgomery County Public Schools