Although the city's struggling schools generally face closure because of poor academic performance, the Believe schools are being targeted for fiscal and governance problems.

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In 2009, one year after Sampson's departure, there came a final insult: Poor academic performance cost the Hoosiers two basketball scholarships for a season.

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It does not always occur, however research has indicated that father absence can lead to poor academic performance, and in some instances lead to delinquent behaviors.

WHITEHOUSE: Effective Strategies for Working with Fathers Returning from Prison | The White House

Some 20% of the intake are on free school meals, an indicator of poverty often linked with poor academic performance, and 20% do not speak English at home.

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The Catholic-school closures are similar to those undertaken in suburban towns wrestling with under-enrollment but very different from school closures conducted by New York City for poor academic performance.

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In July, the state said it would close the district at the end of the current school year, for consistently poor academic performance at its schools and operating a budget deficit for four consecutive years.

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