ArticleThe Journal of school health2026
Cracks in the Foundation: The Association of Physical Condition of School Facilities With Absenteeism and Test Scores in Maryland.
Article in The Journal of school health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundPoor physical conditions of school facilities are linked to poor health, lower test scores, and higher rates of chronic absenteeism.
methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data on physical conditions of school facilities, absenteeism, and test scores for 1266 K-12 school facilities representing 1388 schools (which may share school facilities) in Maryland. We analyzed the results by race and ethnicity of students and by the area deprivation index.
resultsStudents in schools in the 10th decile for poor physical conditions experienced significantly higher rates of chronic absenteeism and significantly lower SAT, ACT, and Maryland state test scores. Black and Hispanic students were significantly more likely to attend these schools. The significant association between poor school facility conditions and educational outcomes is limited to communities with high socioeconomic deprivation. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Policymakers should consider investments in school infrastructure in under-resourced communities to close educational gaps and help every child succeed.
conclusionsIn Maryland communities with high socioeconomic deprivation, poor school facility conditions are associated with greater absenteeism and lower test scores, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic children.
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