Low Socioeconomic Status Schools Research Articles

School and Family Level Socioeconomic Status, School Connectedness and Health and Wellbeing Among 9–11 Year Olds: Cross Sectional Analysis of the Student Health and Wellbeing Survey in Wales

AbstractSchools are important social institutions which play a role in reducing and amplifying inequalities, including health inequalities. A growing evidence base indicates that school and family socioeconomic status (SES) interact to create positive and negative health outcomes, with ‘benefits’ of attending a higher SES school greatest for children from higher SES families. School connectedness is an increasingly studied mechanism, or set of mechanisms, for improving health and reducing health inequalities. Studies on interactions of school and family SES and on school connectedness have to date focused mainly on secondary schools. This paper presents multilevel analyses of survey data from 17,000 primary school children in Wales, aged 9–11 years. It finds that school and family SES are independently associated with health behaviours and mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and interact, with ‘benefits’ of attending a higher SES school greatest for children from higher SES families. Exceptions include some risk behaviours, most common among children from higher SES families in lower SES schools. School connectedness was associated with most outcomes, with some variations between components of school connectedness. Interactions were consistent with greater benefit of attending a higher SES school for children from higher SES families in relation to peer environment, but not for other aspects of school connectedness. Better understanding mechanisms via which family SES may be amplified or attenuated by school characteristics is vital in informing intervention to reduce health inequalities. This paper provides some evidence that school connectedness may be an important target mechanism for interventions to improve health and reduce inequalities.

Examining the associations between high achievement in reading and school climate: evidence from five South American countries

An emergent literature has shown that some students overcome adversities related to their low Socio-Economic Status (SES) by attaining high academic achievement. One of the aims of this literature is to identify the factors that explain the capacity of students from low SES backgrounds to attain high academic achievement. However, upon reviewing this literature, I observed that few studies have comparatively investigated the associations between the capacity of students from low SES backgrounds to attain high achievement in reading and school climate characteristics. Additionally, I found that not many studies have researched whether student SES moderates these associations. This paper contributes to fill these two gaps by estimating associations between high achievement in reading and school climate characteristics. Moreover, it examines whether student SES moderates these associations. To do this, this research estimated logit and heterogeneous choice models using representative samples of students from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay who participated in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The results show that high achievement in reading is positively correlated to certain teaching practices, such as perceived teacher enthusiasm during the instruction and adapting instruction to students’ needs. Conversely, it is negatively correlated to teacher feedback and teacher-directed instruction. Furthermore, the findings indicate that high achievement in reading is negatively correlated to the scarcity and low quality of educational material. Interestingly, the results show that student SES does not moderate these associations. In conclusion, these findings indicate that interventions targeting these areas of school climate may help to increase students’ probability of attaining high achievement in reading, regardless of their SES. Likewise, these results suggest that if these interventions are focused in low SES schools, they may contribute to bridge the gap in reading skills between students from low and middle or high socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Relationship Between Oral and Written Language in Narrative Production by Arabic-Speaking Children: Fundamental Skills and Influences.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between oral and written language skills in narrative production among Arabic-speaking children, focusing on cognitive and linguistic abilities. It examines the differences in narrative parameters between oral and written narratives and explores the associations between these parameters and cognitive and linguistic skills. The research involved 237 sixth-grade Arabic-speaking students from low-socioeconomic status schools in Israel. Each participant was instructed to orally tell a narrative and to write another narrative based on two sets of six sequential pictures. Various narrative features were analyzed, including word count for length, type-token ratio (TTR) for lexical diversity, mean length of utterance (MLU) for morphosyntax, and number of episodes for macrostructure. Cognitive linguistic measures, including Raven's Progressive Matrices, reading comprehension (RC), and morphological awareness (MA) were also assessed. The study found significant differences between oral and written narratives regarding lexical diversity and macrostructure. Participants exhibited significantly higher TTR in written narratives compared to oral narratives, whereas the number of episodes was significantly higher in oral narratives than in written ones. However, no significant differences were observed in narrative length or MLU. Moreover, the study identified significant predictors for various aspects of written narratives, particularly MA and RC, which significantly predicted TTR, MLU, and macrostructure. Additionally, the inclusion of word count in oral narratives significantly enhanced the explained variance for narrative length and macrostructure in written language. The results highlight the importance of the oral-written interface in both micro- and macrostructure representations in both oral and written modalities. They suggest that cognitive and linguistic skills, such as MA and RC, play a crucial role in narrative production. The findings have implications for educational practices and literacy outcomes in the Arab world, enhancing the understanding of the challenges and strategies involved in written language production among Arabic-speaking children.

School socioeconomic status and psychological complaints among adolescents in 44 countries: The mediating role of schoolwork pressure and classmate support and the moderating role of family SES and country-level income inequality

Previous research has reported both positive and negative associations between school socioeconomic status (SES) and internalizing problems among adolescents. Little is known about cross-national differences in this association, as well as potential mediators and moderators. Therefore, this study investigated this association using representative cross-national samples of adolescents whilst exploring the mediating role of schoolwork pressure and classmate support, and the moderating role of family SES and country-level income inequality. Using data from adolescents aged 11–15 from 44 countries, participating in the 2017/2018 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (N = 202,202), we employed multilevel regression models with cross-level interactions. School SES was operationalized as the average family affluence of adolescents within a school and psychological complaints (e.g., feeling low/depressed) were used as an indication of internalizing problems. On average across countries, adolescents in higher SES schools reported more psychological complaints, with a large effect size. However, differences in this association were observed across countries, with a positive association in 19 out of 44 countries, a negative association in one country, and nonsignificant associations in the remaining countries. Schoolwork pressure partially mediated the average association between school SES and psychological complaints, as school SES was positively associated with schoolwork pressure which was associated with more psychological complaints. Our results did not support the mediating role of classmate support. Also, we found a moderating effect of family SES, indicating a stronger positive association between school SES and psychological complaints for those with a below average family SES compared to those with an average and above average family SES. No moderating effect was observed for country-level income inequality. These findings suggest that adolescents with low family SES attending higher SES schools are especially at risk for psychological complaints, and may therefore require tailored support. A promising strategy to reduce psychological complaints entails addressing schoolwork pressure.

Investigating the walkability of primary, secondary and K-12 schools across metropolitan Perth, Western Australia

Having a walkable built environment is important to encourage active school transport. The aim of this study was to measure the walkability of all Perth, Western Australia (WA) schools and investigate whether differences in walkability exist by school type, socioeconomic status (SES) and/or subregion. Geographic Information Systems technology was used to measure walkability (i.e., traffic exposure and pedestrian connectivity) surrounding all Perth schools (n = 651) in 2021. Walkability scores and their individual components were compared using odds ratios and one-way ANOVAs with post-hoc comparisons by school type (primary, secondary and K-12; government and non-government), school SES and subregion. The majority of Perth schools (73.8%) were below the WA Planning Commission’s target for a walkable catchment area. Neighbourhoods surrounding high SES schools were significantly more walkable than neighbourhoods surrounding medium and low SES schools (mean walkability scores: 12.4, 10.5, 10.1, respectively, p < .001). Neighbourhoods surrounding schools located in the Central subregion (mean 12.3) were significantly more walkable than neighbourhoods surrounding schools located in the North-West (mean 11.0, p = .024), South Metropolitan (mean 10.0, p < .001) and North-East (mean 8.4, p < .001) subregions. No significant differences in walkability index scores were found for school type. This study found a large proportion of Perth schools were surrounded by disconnected street networks and that neighbourhoods surrounding high SES schools were, on average, more walkable than neighbourhoods surrounding medium and low SES schools. The results highlight the importance of modifying the built environment to increase opportunities for active school transport, particularly in low and medium socio-economic areas.

Caries prevalence and water fluoridation in Israel: a cross-sectionalstudy.

To assess the effect of Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) in the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in 12-year-old children living in Israel. Considering that CWF is important in the prevention of dental caries. Between 2002 and 2014, the water in communities of at least 5000 individuals was fluoridated. In 2014 CWF in Israel stopped. Data on 12-year-old children from all areas in Israel from the national crosssectional epidemiological survey conducted in 2011-2012 were stratified by city water fluoridation and by city and school socio-economic status (SES). Two dependent variables were defined: (1) DMFT index -caries experience in the permanent dentition; (2) dental fluorosis in central incisors using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) classification of fluorosis. Data from 2181, 12-year-olds was analyzed. the average DMFT was 1.17+1.72 and 49% were caries free. Based on DMFT, the caries experience was significantly higher in nonfluoridated cities (1.38 vs. 0.98 in fluoridated cities) and there were more caries free children 56.4% in fluoridated cities vs. 40.6% in non-fluoridated. DMFT was higher in cities with lower SES than high SES (1.29 vs. 1.05 respectively, p<0.001) and there were less caries free children in low SES (44.5% vs. 53% in high SES cities, p<0.0001). Almost all the 10.3% of children with signs of fluorosis (scoring at least 1 in TF index), had questionable to mild fluorosis (9.3%). CWF is a cheap, simple method of dental health protection that reaches all socio-economic levels and cessation of water fluoridation reduced the health of Israel's children. Water fluoridation provides substantial caries prevention, by reaching a substantial number of people. The relevance of this work is for policymakers to consider CWF as clinically proven method for reducing health inequalities.

Time trends in associations between neighbourhood and school characteristics and mental health problems among Dutch adolescents

We investigated trends in associations between physical and social neighbourhood and school characteristics and adolescent mental health problems between 2005 and 2017. Nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional data collected in the Netherlands among primary (N = 5,871) and secondary school students (N = 20,778) were analysed through cross-classified multilevel models. Hardly any evidence was found for over-time changes in associations between neighbourhood and school characteristics and adolescent mental health problems. Findings showed that for both groups of students, only social characteristics within the two contexts were associated with adolescent mental health problems. For secondary school students, school effects were larger than neighbourhood effects, while the opposite was true for primary school students. Specifically, primary school students residing in more socially fragmented or lower socioeconomic status (SES) neighbourhoods, and lower SES schools, reported more conduct problems and peer relationship problems. For secondary school students, only the SES of the neighbourhood and the school was associated with all four aspects of mental health problems. Remarkably, the direction of the associations between neighbourhood/ school SES and adolescent mental health problems varied across the different mental health outcomes. More research is warranted to replicate our findings.

How the Medicine and Science programmes can overcome the impacts of low SES secondary school educational disadvantage

ABSTRACT This study focuses on educational attainment in New Zealand’s undergraduate programmes in medicine and science (N = 750 and N = 4722, respectively), by following four student cohorts over the course of their degree. This research aimed to identify the extent to which studying in competitive academic programmes (Medicine and BSc) attenuate educational disparity related to schools’ socio-economic backgrounds. We found that Science students coming from the lowest Socioe-conomic Status (SES) schools had lower attainment in their first tertiary year but their achievement improved throughout the programme while outperforming all other students in their third year. However, medicine students from lowest SES schools had lower attainment in their first year but from their second year, their attainment was not significantly different from their counterparts coming from higher SES schools. This study’s findings, support the selection processes for these programmes, allowing students from disadvantaged secondary schools to enrol and succeed in competitive academic programmes.

The effectiveness of a school mindfulness-based intervention on the neural correlates of inhibitory control in children at risk: A randomized control trial.

Interest in the applications of mindfulness practice in education is growing in the scientific community. Recent research has shown that mindfulness practice in schools may be beneficial for executive functions (EFs) which are abilities crucial for healthy development. The study of the effects of mindfulness practices on children's neural correlates of EFs, particularly inhibitory control, may provide relevant information about the impact and mechanisms of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in children. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a MBI in elementary school children on the neural correlates of inhibitory control via a randomized controlled trial. Children from two 4th grade classrooms and two 5th grade classrooms located in a school identified as having low socioeconomic status in Santiago de Chile were randomly assigned to either receive a MBI or serve as active controls and receive a social skills program. Both before and after the interventions, electroencephalographic activity was recorded during a modified version of the Go/Nogo task in a subsample of children in each group. Additionally, teachers completed questionnaires of students' EFs and students completed self-report measures. Results revealed increases in EFs assessed by questionnaires together with improved P3 amplitude associated with successful response inhibition in children who received the MBI compared to active controls. These results contribute to the understanding of the ways in which mindfulness practices can promote the development of inhibitory control together with EF improvement, factors identified as critical for children's social and emotional development and positive mental health. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This study investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention in children from a low socioeconomic status school on neural correlates of EFs. Children performed a Go/Nogo task while electroencephalographic activity was recorded and completed questionnaires before and after a MBI or an active control program. Improvements in EFs assessed by questionnaires together with an increased Nogo-P3 activity associated with successful inhibition in children who received the MBI were found. The results could contribute to understand how mindfulness practice can promote the development of inhibitory control in children from vulnerable populations.

Foundation Phase teachers’ knowledge on common visual problems affecting children

Background: Vision disorders are a public health problem as they cause a delay in academic progress and affect learners’ future career. Teachers spend most of the time with children at school and can help in the early identification and referral of children with visual problems.Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of Grade R to Grade 3 teachers on children’s visual problems before and after educating them on the different visual disorders that affect learners in the classroom.Setting: Low socio-economic status (Quintile 1) schools in Bloemfontein, South Africa.Methods: Convenience sampling was carried out to include Grade R to Grade 3 teachers from 11 Quintile 1 schools. In this quantitative study, two questionnaires with nine items each were administered to determine the teachers’ knowledge. A 45-min educational session on common vision disorders was presented by the researcher. The teachers were classified as having good knowledge if they obtained seven or more correct answers in each questionnaire.Results: Thirty-six female teachers participated in the study. Most of the participants (72.22%) were in the age group of 36 years and older, and 44.44% had been teaching for more than 10 years. Thirty-four participants (94.44%) obtained an overall score of seven and higher before the educational session, and all participants obtained a score of seven and higher after the educational session. There was a statistically significant difference (p 0.0001) between the scores of participants before and after the educational session.Conclusion: The Foundation Phase teachers had adequate knowledge about common visual problems. The educational session was beneficial as it enhanced the teachers’ knowledge.

Uses of Health Care System Medical Care Services by Athletes After Injury at the HighSchool Level.

Health care utilization can vary by age group, geographic location, and socioeconomic status (SES). A paucity of information exists regarding the availability and utilization of medical care by injured scholastic athletes. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare injuries and health care service utilization by school SES over an academic year. Injury and health care service data was collected from 1 large school district. Percentage of free and reduced lunch (FRPL) for each school was calculated to stratify schools into high (<50% FRPL) and low (≥50.1% FRPL) SES groups. Incidence proportion and relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. About 1756 injuries were reported among over 7000 participating athletes from 14 high schools. Similar injury incidence proportions were reported between high and low SES schools (RR=1.10 [1.00-1.20]). Athletes from low SES schools were twice (RR=2.01 [1.21-3.35]) and over three (RR=3.42 [1.84-6.55]) times more likely to receive emergency and physical therapy care. SES was not associated with the use of physician, imaging, or surgery services. School medical providers and administrators should have ready and provide a list of trusted outside primary care and specialty providers that have experience in sports medicine. They should also enquire and follow up on which outside provider the high school athlete will seek care when referring out to outside providers. Injury incidence was similar between high and low SES schools. However, athletes from low SES high schools were over 2-fold more likely to use emergency department services. Understanding factors influencing health care services choice and usage by student athletes from different socioeconomic backgrounds may assist sport medicine clinicians in identifying barriers and potential solutions in improving time to health restoration, athlete outcomes, and health care monetary burden.

Do Written Responses to Open-Ended Questions on Fourth-Grade Online Formative Assessments in Mathematics Help Predict Scores on End-of-Year Standardized Tests?

Predicting long-term student achievement is a critical task for teachers and for educational data mining. However, most of the models do not consider two typical situations in real-life classrooms. The first is that teachers develop their own questions for online formative assessment. Therefore, there are a huge number of possible questions, each of which is answered by only a few students. Second, online formative assessment often involves open-ended questions that students answer in writing. These types of questions in online formative assessment are highly valuable. However, analyzing the responses automatically can be a complex process. In this paper, we address these two challenges. We analyzed 621,575 answers to closed-ended questions and 16,618 answers to open-ended questions by 464 fourth-graders from 24 low socioeconomic status (SES) schools. Using regressors obtained from linguistic features of the answers and an automatic incoherent response classifier, we built a linear model that predicts the score on an end-of-year national standardized test. We found that despite answering 36.4 times fewer open-ended questions than closed questions, including features of the students' open responses in our model improved our prediction of their end-of-year test scores. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a predictor of end-of-year test scores has been improved by using automatically detected features of answers to open-ended questions on online formative assessments.

The Quadratic Pathways Model to Promote Principals' Self-efficacy and Resilience in Low-socioeconomic Schools in Alberta

This paper presents the Quadratic Pathways Model (O’Neill, 2013), which emerged from the findings of a doctoral study that investigated the influences on principals’ self-efficacy and resilience in low-socioeconomic-status (SES) schools. This model was developed to promote principals’ efficacy and resilience while exercising leadership agency in these challenging contexts.&#x0D; Principals leading in low-socioeconomic-status (SES) schools experience unique challenges from their counterparts in wealthier contexts. The literature identified that educators cope with students with academic problems, student disengagement, mental health concerns, behavioral issues, and parental disengagement. Additionally, many students lack the basics of life. Principals also contend with many teachers who believe some parents and students do not value education. Consequently, while cognizant of their need to be instructional leaders, some principals believe they cannot fully engage in the instructional aspect of their role due to the many pressures and competing demands on their attention, and the subsequent frustration influences their efficacy.&#x0D; This study employed a theoretical framework founded upon Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (1986, 1997), particularly pertaining to self-efficacy, and also integrated resilience research (Patterson &amp; Kelleher, 2005), leadership theories (Leithwood et al., 2004), and contextual literature, which explored the complexities of low socioeconomic status schools.&#x0D; The methodology was mixed methods utilizing questionnaires (n=42) and interviews (n=13) with principals in low-SES schools across the province of Alberta, Canada (Creswell &amp; Guetterman, 2019). Although there were several key themes to emerge from the research, this paper focuses on the synthesis of a new model, the Quadratic Pathways Model, which was designed to inform system leaders of the various components that could enhance and sustain high principal efficacy and resilience in low-SES contexts. It offers principals a template that positively reconceptualises instructional leadership practices that enhance and nurture student success in challenging school contexts.

The impact of school climate in social-normative expectations in low and high SES schools.

This study examined the associations among race/ethnicity, school climate, and social-normative expectations (expectations about peers' future achievement) in high and low socioeconomic status (SES) schools, with a particular focus on school climate as a process that might influence social-normative expectations. Results showed that more positive perceptions of school climate were significantly associated with higher levels of social-normative expectations in both low and high SES settings. Additionally, identifying as Black was negatively associated with social-normative expectations in both high and low SES schools. School climate significantly moderated the negative relationship between race and social-normative expectations in high SES schools; however, there was no moderation in low SES schools. In both high and low SES schools, school climate was a robust predictor of social-normative expectations, highlighting the importance of social-normative expectations as a metric of school climate improvement in both high and low SES schools. In conclusion, policies related to school culture and climate, school improvement, and turnaround should explicitly focus on the connection of racial and ethnic equity, specifically for Black and Latinx students, to reflect the range and reality of students' social-normative expectations.

Walking another pathway: The inclusion of patterning in the pathways to mathematics model

According to the Pathways to Mathematics model [LeFevre et al. (2010), Child Development, Vol. 81, pp. 1753–1767], children’s cognitive skills in three domains—linguistic, attentional, and quantitative—predict concurrent and future mathematics achievement. We extended this model to include an additional cognitive skill, patterning, as measured by a non-numeric repeating patterning task. Chilean children who attended schools of low or high socioeconomic status (N = 98; 54% girls) completed cognitive measures in kindergarten (Mage = 71 months) and numeracy and mathematics outcomes 1 year later in Grade 1. Patterning and the original three pathways were correlated with the outcomes. Using Bayesian regressions, after including the original pathways and mother’s education, we found that patterning skills predicted additional variability in applied problem solving and arithmetic fluency, but not number ordering, in Grade 1. Similarly, patterning skills were included in the best model for applied problem solving and arithmetic fluency, but not for number ordering, in Grade 1. In accord with the hypotheses of the original Pathways to Mathematics model, patterning varied in its unique and relative contributions to later mathematical performance, depending on the demands of the tasks. We conclude that patterning is a useful addition to the Pathways to Mathematics model, providing further insights into the range of cognitive precursors that are related to children’s mathematical development.

From the Familiar to the Abstract: Exploring Grade 11 Learners’ Development in Stoichiometry Problem Solving Competency with Exposure to POGIL

This qualitative case study explored how exposure to Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) improves 11th grade physical sciences learners’ competency in solving stoichiometry problems. Two township schools of low socioeconomic status in Pretoria, South Africa, were conveniently and purposively sampled. Two classes (N = 48) composed of multicultural black learners of mixed gender participated in the study. Data were collected at each school using a pre-test, post-test and video-recorded classroom observations. The Interactive–Constructive–Active–Passive theory served as a conceptual and analytical framework to understand the nature of student engagement during the POGIL activities. High student engagement could contribute to improved problem-solving competency in the post-test. The findings from the classroom observations and recorded group discussions served as evidence of the learners’ engagement. The learners collaboratively engaged in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of ideas, reasoning and justifying their suggestions in solving POGIL tasks. Interactions were largely characterised as interactive and constructive modes of engagement, both facilitating deep processing strategies. Regarding data from the tests, problem-solving competency was classified at four levels based on Bloom’s taxonomy. The pre-test results indicated a lack of competency in solving complex stoichiometry problems. ANOVA indicated that the differences in the frequencies of the competency levels found in the pre- and post-test are statistically significant. High student engagement could have contributed to improved problem-solving competency in the post-test, although more improvement could be made in terms of problem solving competency in questions introducing more complexity and higher cognitive demand such as multistep calculations. The study shows how using POGIL in high school science may empower learners with enhanced problem solving skills.

Dietary disparities among adolescents according to individual and school socioeconomic status: a multilevel analysis

This study aimed to estimate disparities in dietary habits according to the individual and contextual socioeconomic status (SES), while taking into account school nutrition-related characteristics. Data came from the 2018 cross-sectional “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children” (HBSC) survey. Multilevel multiple logistic regressions were performed. Over two-thirds of the observed variance was explained by individual and school characteristics, with SES being the main contributors. For example, 76.9% of the variance in daily sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake was explained by individual and school characteristics. Adolescents of a secondary or lower parental education level were more likely to consume SSB daily than those of a post-secondary level (aOR = 1.46 (1.29–1.66)). Compared to those in a high SES school, the odds to consume SSB daily was higher for adolescents in low SES schools (aOR = 2.37(1.90–2.96)). These findings support the need for schools to pursue a consistent nutrition policy, with an increased support in low socioeconomic populations.

The Importance of Teacher Support and Equity in Student Engagement and Achievement in Low SES School Contexts

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is often seen as a risk factor for lower academic achievement, so this study explains how teacher support and equity are related to higher student engagement and achievement in low SES school contexts. Based on the results, student behavioural engagement is related to their achievement. The results of the multiple regression analysis show that teacher support and equity predict student emotional engagement statistically significantly, while behavioural engagement predicts only equity. No significant teacher support and equity prognostic values were found for student achievements. The study’s results encourage further research and the search for answers to the question of what kind of teacher behaviour creates a favourable learning environment for all students in low SES context schools.

Implementing Structured Curriculum in an After-School Physical Activity Program

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influences of a structured after-school program on student physical activity for third- through fifth-grade students at five schools in southern Colorado. The study utilized a pretest–posttest intervention design in which six elementary schools in a low socioeconomic status school district in southern Colorado were recruited to implement a structured curriculum into their existing after-school physical activity program. Four observations at each school were taken approximately 6 weeks apart during the 2014–2015 academic year. Randomly selected students (n = 187) were measured for height and weight at each observation and wore accelerometers during after-school physical activity. Descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests were calculated for a comparison of physical activity before and after the implementation of the structured after-school program. Students wore accelerometers an average of 45.72 ± 10.28 min/session. Total physical activity increased significantly from 36.21 ± 6.41 to 41.14 ± 6.76 min/session (p &lt; 0.001). Moderate physical activity increased significantly from 9.29 ± 3.84 to 12.10 ± 5.96 min/session (p &lt; 0.001), whereas vigorous activity significantly decreased from 8.02 ± 4.39 to 5.54 ± 5.32 min/session (p &lt; 0.001). Overall, implementing a structured after-school program may be beneficial in increasing total physical activity, though its role in improving physical activity intensity is questionable. Subscribe to TPE

Comparative Analysis of Literature and Narratives Regarding Teaching Practices in Low SES School Districts

The purpose of this research is to shed light on the educational disparities that exist within the US regarding socioeconomic status (SES). An in-depth interview was performed with a teacher who teaches in a majority high SES school setting and compared with an interview with a teacher who teaches in a majority low SES school setting. Combining literature and narratives, I provide an overview of the pertinent issues related to SES and schools and urge continued research on this topic. Results found three distinct areas of difference: availability of resources, emotional and behavioural health, and COVID-19 response. Educational experiences should not have to vary based on socioeconomic status, and as we strive for equitable education, we ought to continue research such as this.