Understanding the Educational Outcomes for Students Experiencing Homelessness: A Sequential Explanatory Study

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Efforts to Support Students From Low-Income Backgrounds

Abstract

Nationwide, over 1.3 million students are homeless, presenting challenges for school and community leaders. In this sequential explanatory study set in Houston Independent School District, we examine and unpack the educational outcomes of students experiencing homelessness. Our quantitative analyses of student-level data suggest that students experiencing homelessness have lower attainment than housed peers with similar characteristics – particularly for students in shelters. Interestingly, students experiencing homelessness tend to have higher achievement on state accountability tests, although they are less likely to take the exams. Through ongoing semi-structured interviews and artifact analysis we also explore the policies, practices and relationships among districts, schools, and communities—illuminating key factors helping to shape our quantitative findings. Implications for research, policy and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Alexandra E. Pavlakis, Southern Methodist University

• Meredith Paige Richards, Southern Methodist University

• Kessa Roberts, Southern Methodist University

• Mark Pierce, Southern Methodist University