Expanding the Understanding of School Concentrated Disadvantage Using Free and Reduced-Price Meals Data: Links to College and Labor Market Outcomes in Maryland. Issue 2 (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henneberger, Angela K.; Rose, Bess A.; Mushonga, Dawnsha R.; Nam, Boyoung; Preston, Alison M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of education for students placed at risk. Volume 28:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: Children with social disabilities -- Education -- United States -- Periodicals; 371.82694
• DOI: 10.1080/10824669.2022.2045994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1082-4669

Abstract

Abstract: School concentrated disadvantage has been linked to poorer academic achievement and psychosocial functioning in prior research. The current study expands upon prior examinations of school concentrated disadvantage by applying a measurement approach first described by Michelmore and Dynarski in 2017, where eligibility for free and reduced-price meals (FRPM) is examined over time and the duration of eligibility serves as the key indicator of student disadvantage. We used data from a linked longitudinal administrative data system in Maryland, and we measured disadvantage using the proportion of years a student was eligible for FRPM between 6 th and 12 th grades (see ref. Michelmore & Dynarski). This measure was aggregated to the school level to measure school concentrated disadvantage. We found that school-level concentrated disadvantage was uniquely, and more strongly related to college enrollment than individual student-level disadvantage. However, early labor market outcomes tended to be more strongly linked to race/ethnicity than experiences with disadvantage. We highlight the need for additional targeted resources for students in schools with high concentrations of disadvantaged students.