Effect of regional economic downturn on middle school academic achievement

The lack of research about the effect of regional economic downturn on middle school academic achievement makes it difficult for school officials to identify what assistance and programs need to be provided for students. Both parents and school officials are waiting for more research that indicates that a regional economic downturn has an effect on middle school academic achievement. To obtain more evidence that a change in the regional economic downturn does have an effect on student academic achievement, a case study was conducted at a middle school in South Carolina. Parents were sent a survey and two focus groups were conducted to gather data. The purpose of this study was to examine how a regional economic downturn affected the academic achievement of a specific group of students who attend a middle school that is located in an area that has been significantly impacted by the recession. This study revealed that a change in socioeconomic status due to an economic downturn did have an effect on middle school academic achievement. The parents believed that unfair expectations of assignments outside of school were a major factor in the change of grades. The students also believed that assignments were a factor on their grades. Both groups also suggested that class sizes not be increased and academic programs not be eliminated when making changes in order to decrease the budget. The data that were provided will hopefully lead to assistance for student who live in an area impacted by a regional economic downturn.