Academic Achievement among Hispanic Students from One-Versus Dual-Parent Households

Abstract

Using data from a nationally representative sample of eighth-grade students, this research examines the relative effect of being in a one-parent versus dual-parent household on the educational achievement of Hispanic middle-grade students. It found that under most circumstances, students in dual-parent households do better than their counterparts in one-parent households. However, when appropriately controlling for socioeconomic status, students in one-parent households are not statistically significantly different than their counterparts in dual-parent households. The article concludes with suggestionsforpublic policy to bring about more parityforstudents in these varying types of households.