Understanding Non-Structural Student Mobility in Georgia: Implications for Academic Achievement, Postsecondary Enrollment, and Labor Market Outcomes

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 2:15 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: The Cost of Movement: Chronic Absenteeism, Mobility, and Educational Futures

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and consequences of non-structural student mobility in Georgia’s public schools. The study utilizes statewide longitudinal data on secondary school enrollment history, post-secondary enrollment, and wage data for the state of Georgia. Employing descriptive statistics and multiple regression models, we assess the association between non-structural student mobility on academic achievement, attendance, behavioral incidents, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and early career wages. In addition, we explore variation in these relationships based on the timing of mobility incidents (month of transitions for midyear moves and grade level of transition for summer moves). Our findings aim to inform educational policy and practice by identifying patterns of mobility and their implications for student success.

Authors

• Kevin Fortner, Georgia State University

• Bogyung Kim, Georgia State University

• Natalie Pruitt, Georgia State University