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More than half of the racial college completion gap explained by pre-college factors

A new study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over 60% of the racial gap in college completion rates can be attributed to pre-college factors. The study analyzed data from kindergarten to college completion for Texas students and found that poverty and academic preparation were key drivers of the achievement gap between Hispanic and ...

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of Higher Education·DateApr 6, 2017

Researchers observe reduction in sexual violence among high school students

A recent study by University of Kentucky researchers found a 12-13% lower rate of sexual violence victimization in schools that implemented the Green Dot program, resulting in 120 fewer sexually violent events. The five-year program, funded by CDC and partnering with local organizations, was shown to be cost-effective and culturally im...

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Black students feel less welcome at schools with excessive suspensions

Research shows that black students in high schools with a large discipline gap perceive less fair and inclusive treatment, feeling less like they belong. Schools can address this by providing diversity training for teachers and staff, using mindfulness and stress management techniques, and exploring alternative discipline methods.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateOct 24, 2016

Blue-collar training in high school leaves women behind

Research by Cornell University finds that high school training for blue-collar jobs penalizes women in the labor market, reducing their odds of enrolling in college and earning comparable wages. Men in these communities benefit from vocational courses and higher rates of employment, but women face significant disparities.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 29, 2016

Race biases teachers' expectations for students

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that white teachers are more likely to doubt the educational prospects of black boys and girls. This bias can have long-term effects on student outcomes, including lower expectations for college completion and graduation rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalEconomics of Education Review·DateMar 30, 2016

The non-driving millennial? Not so simple, says new research

A new study by University of Vermont researchers suggests that high school age teens' decisions to begin driving when they're of age are influenced by infrastructure and land use patterns in their community. The study found that teens from suburban areas with limited public transportation options obtained their driver's license earlier...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateMar 28, 2016

It doesn't 'get better' for some bullied LGBT youths

A new Northwestern University study found that about a third of adolescents experience severe and ongoing bullying, which can lead to major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also highlighted the importance of addressing these patterns in schools through policies and programs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2016

1 in 4 kids sexually harassed by friends online

A new study led by Michigan State University found that nearly 1 in 4 children experience online sexual harassment at the hands of their own friends. Parents can help mitigate this issue by having open and honest conversations with their kids about online safety and boundaries.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateJan 7, 2016

Legal drinking age of 18 tied to high school dropout rate

A new study found that lowering the minimum drinking age to 18 in the US was associated with a rise in high school dropout rates. The research suggests that this policy change may have disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, including minority students. The study's lead author notes that state policies on drinking ages were ofte...

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 28, 2015

Exercise reduces suicide attempts by 23 percent among bullied teens

A new study finds that regular exercise significantly reduces both suicidal thoughts and attempts among students who are bullied. Being physically active four or more days per week resulted in a 23 percent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts in bullied students. Exercise is also associated with significant reductions in sadness.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2015

Neighbors, but not classmates

A Johns Hopkins University sociologist has found that disadvantaged neighborhoods actually expand children's range of educational experiences as they disperse to multiple schools. Affluent neighborhoods, on the other hand, limit options by keeping students close to home.

More secondary schools serve healthier lunches

Significant improvements were made in National School Lunch Program nutrition for middle and high school students after the US Department of Agriculture updated its nutrition standards in 2012-13. At least 80% of secondary students attended schools that offered nonfat milk and fruits and vegetables daily by 2013.

How music alters the teenage brain

A Northwestern University study found that music training during high school can enhance the teenage brain's responses to sound and sharpen hearing and language skills. The research suggests that music instruction helps improve critical skills for academic success, potentially offsetting negative influences of poverty on sound processing.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2015