Examining the Proximity Effect Between School Shootings and Academic Achievement in Florida Secondary Schools

• In Event: 77.041 - Mass Shootings, Education Policy, and School-Level Practices: The Challenges of Keeping Students Safe and Treating Students Fairly

Abstract

Since the tragedy at Columbine High School in 1999, over 215,000 students in U.S. schools have endured a shooting on their campus, each followed by debates about gun control and violence in schools. Yet, despite this increased media attention, we understand very little about how students are affected by school shootings. Few research studies have explored the connection between major acts of violence and academic performance. To broaden the scope of the literature, our quantitative study analyzes the effects of proximity to fatal school shootings on academic performance in Florida secondary schools from 2006 to 2015. Results from a multi-level, longitudinal model indicate that closer proximity to a fatal shooting results in lower graduation rates.

Authors

• Lydia Ross, Arizona State University

• Eric Ambroso, Arizona State University

• Kathryn P. Chapman, University of Kentucky

• Joseph D Sweet, AZ