Meta-analysis on the impact of poverty on school success/retention rates: Comparison between K-12 and College
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Cylia Blackmon
CoPIs:
Nadia Shah
College:
College of Business and Public Management
Major:
Management
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Shanggeun Rhee
Abstract:
Poverty has been known to reduce a student’s chances of getting a high school diploma, thus eliminating the chance of pursuing higher education. For many years, earning a college degree has been seen as a key to escaping poverty; however, success in education requires early enrollment. Poverty is a multifaceted term, including lack of necessities, resources, shelter, education, and more. These factors create challenges, particularly in the context of education and the ability to pursue a quality education that will position one for success in the future. Poverty has an immense impact on K–12 education. It interferes as well as threatens the education of children because, having to deal with collecting needed supplies, having basic needs met, and the threat of falling behind, children are unable to get the proper education that they deserve. Without education, a more challenging future may occur, severely impairing one's mental health and raising the dropout rate. Education is such an important component of development. Poverty in the K–12 grades directly impact a child's education because of the lack of focused teaching and goal-oriented opportunities to help them get a fair chance at a good education. Understanding the relationship between poverty and school retention can help students succeed despite their economic status. Pursuing higher education is optional but essential in many cases for securing the steady and fulfilling lifestyle desired by many. In contrast to K–12 education, college and university retention is determined by first-year retention, persistence rate, transfer-out rate, completion rate, or demographic factors. In all levels of education, especially at the lower levels, parental income is the most important factor. Students rely solely on parents to provide them with their essential needs regarding their education, and colleges and universities utilize FAFSA (free application for federal student aid), where students have the option to input family income in hopes of receiving federal aid to reduce the cost. For students coming from limited resources, they rely heavily on their ability to either receive financial aid or take out loans. Instructional systems ought to integrate more goals and resources into their school systems to help students living in poverty. Both, being in different settings, have different resources and thus have different struggles. As previously mentioned, higher education is optional whereas K–12 is mandatory, so more resources are needed to meet any gaps. Implementing the resources and materials for students who may be financially impacted is a crucial message for educators and those with the power to make the required changes. This will allow them to get a worry-free education and give them the ability to focus solely on school and enjoy their valuable experiences. Education is uplifting, and utilizing resources within will help to support and help students and families living in poverty.