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Connection Collection

Annotation from the Connection Collection

You are viewing a record from the Connection Collection, a searchable annotated bibliography database. It links you with research-based information that you can use to connect schools, families, and communities.

Annotation:
This study investigates the relationship between welfare mothers' education level and the academic outcomes and school readiness of their children. Findings indicated that increases in mothers' education level were positively associated with children's school readiness and negatively associated with academic problems. The authors conclude that policy-makers should focus on education as well as employment programs for mothers on welfare. Data came from the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies Child Outcomes Study. The study was conducted in three cities across the country and contained a final sample of 3,108 participants. Welfare mothers were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Education-first program, work-first program or a control group. Mothers were assessed on demographics, history, attitudes, skills and mental health. Two years later a follow-up survey was completed with the mother and child and rated the child's level of school readiness and academic problems.

Suggested Citation Style:

• Magnuson, K. A., & McGroder, S. M. (2002). The effect of increasing welfare mothers' education on their young children's academic problems and school readiness. Evanston, IL: Child Trends, Joint Center on Poverty Research. www.jcpr.org/wpfiles/magnuson_mcgroder.pdf