The effect of socio-economic status on academic achievement

Abstract

This study addresses the increasing importance of student test scores by examining the different factors that influence test scores. Composite test scores of tenth grade students from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 are examined using a four-part model which includes student role performance, school, family, and peer factors. Ordinary Least Squares analysis indicates that the strongest predictor of student test scores is socioeconomic status, resulting in a statistically significant increase in the standardized coefficient of .224 points. These results support previous research and possible directions for public policy are given.