Gauging Poverty And Academic Performance

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Poverty isn't just a lack of money; it's poor housing, chronic illness, angry parents - so reports an article in Education Week, describing research looking at schools based on a fuller picture of kids' experiences rather than using poverty as a label.

Matching data on homeless and other agency services with 748 New York elementary schools, 18 factors in a student's school and neighborhood were identified that predicted likelihood of chronic absenteeism, low achievement, creating what might be called a "risk load."

Public and temporary housing and shelter; eligibility for free or reduced price lunch and welfare; special education and students of color; principal, student and teacher turnover; student suspensions; adult education levels; male unemployment are among the factors identified as risk indicators.

Looking at two high poverty schools - homeless shelters, high absenteeism and teacher turnover reflected in much lower academic performance in one school than the other.

An important study for decision makers.