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Correct Answer: the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches
determining the percentage of economically disadvantaged students in a school is crucial for assessing needs and allocating resources appropriately. among the methods available, the most commonly used and reliable indicator is the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. this measure is directly related to family income levels, as eligibility is determined based on the federal poverty guidelines.
the national school lunch program (nslp), which administers free and reduced-price lunches, has clear income criteria that families must meet to qualify. for example, families earning at or below 130% of the poverty level are eligible for free meals, while those earning between 130% and 185% can receive meals at a reduced price. these thresholds provide a quantifiable and objective measure of economic disadvantage.
other potential indicators, such as the percentage of students from single-parent families, those from homes where english is not the primary language, students who do not proceed to college, or those whose parents did not graduate from high school, do not directly measure economic status. these factors can be influenced by a variety of socio-economic and cultural factors and do not solely reflect economic disadvantage.
therefore, using the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches remains the most accurate and straightforward method to assess the economic challenges faced by students in a school setting. this approach ensures that support and resources are directed effectively to those who need them most, based on an established and easily verifiable criterion.
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