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education-data-source-meps

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MEPS — Urban Institute modeled school-level poverty (% at 100% FPL), from CCD + SAIPE (public schools, 2009-2022, 2-3yr lag). Use when FRPL is unreliable due to CEP. Consistent cross-state measurement. Public schools only.

When to use

• Analyzing school poverty rates
• Comparing poverty across states
• Tracking poverty over time post-2010
• Studying CEP/universal meals impact
• Standardized 100% FPL threshold measurement

When not to use

• **Years available**: 2009-2022 (actual Portal data range)
• **Public schools only**: No private school coverage
• **Modeled estimates**: Subject to estimation error (use `meps_poverty_se`)
• **100% FPL only**: Does not capture near-poverty (100-185% FPL)
• **Not real-time**: 2-3 year data lag typical

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