NCES Guide to Alternative SES Measures

Looking for a more suitable measure of socioeconomic status (SES) than eligibility for free- and reduced-price meal programs? The National Center for Education Statistics has just released a useful guide to help policymakers, program staff, and data staff adopt new measures. The Forum Guide to Alternative Measures of Socioeconomic Status in Education Data Systems identifies the need for new measures; offers practical steps that agencies can take to adopt new measures; and describes eight alternative measures, including potential benefits, challenges, and limitations of each option.