Claudia L. Persico

Investigates the long-term peer effects of childhood lead exposure in schools. Finds that students with more lead-exposed peers are less likely to graduate high school or take the SAT and are more likely to be suspended or absent, and that these negative spillover effects are particularly pronounced among same-gender peers.

Examines how children and families were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and how government support helped buffer negative impacts. Highlights that expanded cash and near-cash transfers significantly reduced child poverty and food insecurity. 

Uses linked birth and education records from Florida to investigate how the identification of childhood disabilities varies by race and school racial composition. Finds that black and Hispanic students are identified with disabilities at lower rates than are observationally similar white students.

Examines how traffic pollution affects student outcomes by exploiting differences in wind patterns near highways. Findings show that students attending downwind schools have lower test scores, more behavioral issues, and higher absence rates. Results highlight how even small environmental differences, like local wind patterns, can contribute to educational inequality.

Investigates whether increased public school spending—driven by court-mandated school finance reforms starting in the 1970s—improves long-term outcomes for students. Findings show that sustained increases in per pupil spending lead to significant improvements in educational attainment, adult earnings, and reductions in poverty, especially for low-income students.