Examining the intersection of housing and educational options in a regulated school choice plan

摘要

The study examines assumptions in 1 urban district's regulated choice plan and explores relationships between school performance and housing options of economically disadvantaged families. We use linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and plot distributions to analyze a uniquely constructed database combining advertised housing voucher rentals with available school choices across designated zones. Results indicate that 10 of 13 zones offer students an alternative to the low-performing school associated with their address. The distribution of high-performing schools and availability of housing across the zones indicates increased choice for families relying on housing vouchers. However, voucher rentals were not equally distributed across zones, and home schools of 93% of the available housing reported performance below the state median. Questions remain about the feasibility of families in poverty enacting choice. Results suggest the need for greater availability of rentals in areas with better performing schools.