Relationship in the Socioeconomics of a Neighborhood 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 first 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 neighborhood choice had on passing STAAR reading and mathematics exam in three different socioeconomic settings comprised of low, middle, and high-income neighborhoods. Findings were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square and frequency distributions. Findings suggest the income level of neighborhoods did not correlate to the passing of the standardized test.