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Shale Boom's Impact on Elementary Schools: Rapid Growth, Student Mobility

Classrooms are changing due to the shale boom. Rapid growth and student mobility are affecting schools in oil-producing regions. A multi-state analysis is underway to understand the impact on education.

This picture shows a classroom. We see a boy seated and writing in the book on the table and we see...
This picture shows a classroom. We see a boy seated and writing in the book on the table and we see tables on the side and we see a woman cleaning the board with a duster in the hand and we see a poster on the side and a table with a box on it.

Shale Boom's Impact on Elementary Schools: Rapid Growth, Student Mobility

The shale boom has significantly impacted elementary schools in oil-producing regions, with administrators and teachers reporting rapid growth and heightened student mobility. Our website is leading a multi-state analysis to understand the effects on education outcomes.

The shale boom's impact on elementary schools is most evident in the rapid growth of student populations in core producing regions. Kindergarten, for instance, saw a 32 percent increase from 1993 to 2015. This growth has brought diversity to classrooms, with teachers noting both positive aspects and concerns about disruption and long-term educational attainment.

Nathan Ratledge, after visiting Montana and North Dakota, gathered insights from stakeholders. They reported increased student mobility, with students moving in and out of schools throughout the year. While most school administrators in North Dakota did not report a spike in high school dropout rates, further analysis is needed to determine the impact on student achievement.

The shale boom has brought significant changes to elementary schools in oil-producing regions, with rapid growth and increased student mobility. While there are positive aspects, concerns about classroom disruption and long-term educational attainment remain. A multi-state analysis is underway to fully understand the effects on education outcomes.

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