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Math scores in high stakes grades

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  • Brunello, Giorgio
  • Kiss, David

Abstract

We investigate whether math tests taken by German primary and secondary students during a high stakes grade produce higher scores than tests done during low stakes grades. We define as high stakes grade the final grade of primary or secondary school, because good performance in that grade can affect future opportunities. Our difference-in-differences estimates show that math scores increase on average by 0.17 to 0.22 standard deviations during high stakes grades, a sizeable effect. Reading scores, however, are not affected.

Suggested Citation

  • Brunello, Giorgio & Kiss, David, 2022. "Math scores in high stakes grades," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:87:y:2022:i:c:s027277572100131x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2021.102219
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    1. Posso, Christian & Saravia, Estefanía & Uribe, Pablo, 2023. "Acing the test: Educational effects of the SaberEs test preparation program in Colombia," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Student achievement in high stakes grades; (Perceived) Returns to education;

    JEL classification:

    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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