NCJ Number
255775
Journal
American Journal of Community Psychology Volume: 65 Issue: 3-4 Dated: 2020
Date Published
2020
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study applied geospatial analysis to examine the link between neighborhood violent crime (via police reports) and academic performance (via school-level standardized test proficiency rates).
Abstract
For decades, empirical studies have confirmed that experiences with violence are associated with a variety of adverse behavioral and mental health issues, as well as academic outcomes for children and adolescents; however, this research has largely relied on indirect measures of exposure. The current study examined whether violent crime in geographic areas in which schools are located affected students' academic performance. The findings suggest that greater numbers of crimes proximal to school buildings were related to lower levels of academic performance. These results persisted even when controlling for economic disadvantage in the student body. Implications for research and policy are discussed. (publisher abstract modified)