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Academic achievement trajectories of homeless and highly mobile students: Resilience in the context of chronic and acute risk
Child Development (2013)
  • J. J. Cutuli, University of Pennsylvania
  • Christopher D. Desjardins
  • Janette E. Herbers
  • Jeffrey D. Long
  • David Heistad
  • Chi-Keung Chan
  • Elizabeth Hinz
  • Ann S. Masten
Abstract
Analyses examined academic achievement data across 3rd through 8th grades (N = 26,474), comparing students identified as homeless or highly mobile (HHM) to other students in the federal free meal program (FM), reduced-price meals (RM), or neither (General). Achievement was lower as a function of rising risk status (General > RM > FM > HHM). Achievement gaps appeared stable or widened between HHM students and lower-risk groups. Math and reading achievement were lower and growth in math was slower in years of HHM identification, suggesting acute consequences of residential instability. Nonetheless, 45% of HHM students scored within or above the average range, suggesting academic resilience. Results underscore the need for research on risk and resilience processes among HHM students to address achievement disparities.
Keywords
  • Academic Achievement,
  • Homelessness,
  • Residential Mobility,
  • Middle Childhood
Publication Date
May, 2013
Citation Information
J. J. Cutuli, Christopher D. Desjardins, Janette E. Herbers, Jeffrey D. Long, et al.. "Academic achievement trajectories of homeless and highly mobile students: Resilience in the context of chronic and acute risk" Child Development Vol. 84 Iss. 3 (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jj_cutuli/6/