Relationship of Neighborhood Resources Utilized and the Impact on Academic Achievement in the Children of Housing Choice Voucher Participants

Abstract

Housing Choice Vouchers have expanded housing opportunities for millions of low-income households throughout the United States. Vouchers provide low-income households the opportunity to move to different neighborhoods. A growing body of research has shown where a household resides has a large impact on both economic outcomes, and the quality of their children’s education. This is the second of a three-part research project which explored the effect neighborhood choice has on the academic achievement of Housing Choice Voucher participant’s high school aged children. Using survey data, this study explored the relationship, utilizing neighborhood resources had on passing STAAR reading and mathematics exam. Of the 4,884 flyers mailed to households utilizing the Housing Choice Voucher, 77 participants used the QR code to access the questionnaire with 51 participants completing the questionnaire with the required information. Findings were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square and frequency distributions. Findings suggest the utilization of police had a correlation to passing the STAAR reading exam and though a larger percentage of households utilize the resource of tutoring, it did not correlate to the passing of the STAAR mathematics exam.