This study examines the relationship between local-area opioid prescription rates and student performance on end-of-year mathematics exams in the state of South Carolina between 2006-2017. We link individual test score data for 3rd-8th grade students to county-level changes in opioid...

Using PIAT Math test score as a measure of attainment, we find that both single mothers' work and welfare use in the first five years of their children's lives have a positive effect on children's outcomes, but this effect declines with initial ability. The higher the initial ability of a child,...

This research examines the effects of mothers' welfare and work decisions on their children's attainments using a random effect instrumental variables (REIV) estimator. The estimator employs sibling comparisons in a random effect framework and an instrumental variables approach to address the...