Cracks in the Foundation: The Association of Physical Condition of School Facilities With Absenteeism and Test Scores in Maryland.

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how the physical condition of school facilities affects absenteeism and test scores in Maryland.
• Analyzed school facility conditions in Maryland communities
• Examined rates of absenteeism and test scores
• Focused on the impact on Black and Hispanic children
• Poor school facilities are linked to higher absenteeism rates
• Students in poor facilities tended to have lower test scores
• The effects were stronger in communities with higher socioeconomic deprivation