Effects of Cumulative Family Risk Factors on American Students’ Academic Performance

Carl J. Dunst^1, and Deborah W. Hamby¹

¹Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, S. Sterling Street, Morganton, NC, USA

Cite this paper:
Carl J. Dunst and Deborah W. Hamby. Effects of Cumulative Family Risk Factors on American Students’ Academic Performance. American Journal of Educational Research. 2016; 4(2):150-154. doi: 10.12691/education-4-2-2

Abstract

The relationships between cumulative family risk factors and American students’ academic performance were examined in all 50 States and the District of Columbia. Data from the 2007 American Community Survey were used to ascertain the percent of birth to 18 year old children in the United States who experienced three or more risk factors. The outcome measures were the 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress 4^th and 8^th grade reading and mathematics scores and high school graduation rates. Results showed that between 40% and 64% of the variance in students’ academic performance was accounted for by cumulative family risk factor measure. The results indicate a need to consider, if not take into consideration, family influences outside of schools as part of improving student academic performance.

Keywords:
family risk factors cumulative risk academic performance high school graduation rates

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