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Survey: Kids from low-income families less involved in school
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Posted on Jun 14 1999
The economic condition of a family affects children’s attitude toward school, according to a national survey conducted by two Washington-based research groups.
Children of lower income families are less likely to be “highly engaged” in school activities and are more likely to have behavioral and emotional problems, according to the recently released survey by the Urban Institute and Child Trends.
The survey was conducted among adults from 44,461 households in 13 states. Respondents were asked about a variety of issues including their relations with their children, economic security and health care.
While the survey results provide a view of family life at all income levels, the report focuses on how certain experiences and situations affect lower-income children and families.
The survey report titled “Snapshots of America’s Families” says 41 percent of children representing all income levels care about their homework assignments and other school activities. However, among the lower income families, only 34 percent of children are highly interested in these activities.
The study also found that children who live with only one parent show poorer academic performance than those who live with two parents (44 percent against 11 percent.)
The survey was part of the Urban Institute’s Federalism project. It was conducted in 1997 when the federal welfare reform law, which shifted many decisions about public assistance to the states, was starting to take effect.
The survey report will provide a baseline for researchers to measure changes over time. It will be followed by another survey which would look into how families are faring since the implementation of the new welfare policies. (Marvic C. Munar)
