Database research record2016·United States (Washington, DC)
SCHOOL GARDENS IN THE CITY
Rashawn Ray, Dana R. Fisher, Carley Fisher-Maltese
Du Bois Review Social Science Research on Race
Urban Farm DB summary
This study analyzed quantitative data on fifth graders' math, reading, and science standardized test scores in Washington, D.C., to investigate how school gardens help close the achievement gap. It compared academic performance between students in traditional schools and garden-based learning schools, and examined whether the presence of a school garden reduces race and social class disparities in academic achievement. Findings showed that the presence of a school garden is associated with higher test scores in reading and science, and this association persisted even when controlling for students' race and class composition.