Working Papers

Hailey, Chantal A. “But is it Good for Black Students?: An Analysis of Black Student Belonging Relates to Black Families’ School Choices” Under Review,Working Paper Available Upon Request

Qualitative research suggests that anti-Blackness leads Black families to prioritize whether schools are specifically ‘good for Black students.’ Yet quantitative school choice studies overlook how schools treat Black students. This study examines whether Black families’ school selections relate to elements of Black belonging by analyzing applications to NYC high schools. Findings reveal that, adjusting for school curriculum, location, and violence, Black families prefer schools with greater Black belonging. Families avoid applying to schools with few Black students and teachers, limited Black extracurriculars, and unwelcoming environments for Black families. In subsequent decision phases, they prefer schools with more Black peers, lower Black-student discipline rates, and greater inclusion of Black parents. Findings have important implications for school choice policy and school quality frameworks.

Rene Crespin and Chantal A. Hailey. Preferences for Academic and Non-Academic School Information: Evidence from NYC Families’ Ranked Lists of School. Working Paper Available Upon Request