Griffin, Furlow, and Randall
Differences In Single- and Two-Parent Household Scores
Differences In Single- and Two-Parent Households Criterion Referenced Competency Test Scores Kristy Griffin, Cassie Furlow, and Jondrea Randall Columbus State University, Valdosta State University, and Georgia Southern University
Our group decided to research the impact of single parent versus two parent homes on student test scores. To investigate, we will be using CRCT scores from 5th grade students attending Hutchinson Elementary School in Atlanta. Our research question is as follows: At Hutchinson Elementary School, is there a significant difference in the Social Studies CRCT scores of 5th grade students from two parent households compared to children who are being raised by a single parent?
The purpose of this project is to determine the degree of impact, if any, that a student’s home life has on standardized test scores. The data gathered for this research project could potentially be used by schools to identify an issue in student achievement, and potentially implement interventions to help counteract the negative impact on student scores. Theoretically, the data may also be used to help schools understand positive or negative trends in overall average scores for the school. For example, a principal may look at student demographics to explain, at least in part, a significant increase or decrease in a particular teacher’s class. Because of the nature of this research, there are several limitations to our research. First, there may be households that do not technically fit either of the two categories. Some students may have two adults at home, but neither may be a parent. Some children live with other relatives, such as grandparents or aunts and uncles. Some children may have two parents normally living in the home, but for one reason