Effects of Socioeconomic Status upon the Attendance and Graduation Rates for Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to examine the effect poverty has upon graduation rates within our public schools. Sifting through the current research conducted on increasing graduation rates among the low-income student population, there appeared to be a relationship between attendance and receiving a high school diploma. This association appeared to be stronger within the low-income population. If attendance could be increased for students who receive free-reduced lunch, then would this increase their graduate rates? Does socioeconomic status affect attendance rates for students? The aspects explored in this study involved the definition of poverty within the school system and the effects poverty has upon our students within society, school, and at home. Reviewing data collected on students who do not receive a diploma and their ability to obtain employment, we would be able to determine the true importance of this problem and the need for interventions that increase attendance and graduation. This study used free-reduced lunch population numbers to relate to the students that live in poverty within a school district. Using these numbers, the examiner studied the attendance rates from the free-reduced lunch population and how attendance related to the graduation rates of the students in this group.