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School Choice and Educational Mobility: Lessons from Secondary School Applications in Ghana

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  • Kehinde F. Ajayi

Abstract

Merit†based school choice often presents an unfulfilled promise of educational mobility. In Ghana, where a standardized exam determines secondary school admission, students from low†performing elementary schools apply to weaker secondary schools than equally qualified students from high†performing elementary schools. This study investigates why students with the same academic potential make different application choices. I outline a theoretical model and empirical strategy to analyze heterogeneity in student demand. Using administrative data, I show that disadvantaged students value school proximity more and live farther away from high†performing schools, suggesting the interaction between demand and the spatial distribution of schools limits educational mobility.

Suggested Citation

  • Kehinde F. Ajayi, 2024. "School Choice and Educational Mobility: Lessons from Secondary School Applications in Ghana," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(4), pages 1207-1243.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:59:y:2024:i:4:p:1207-1243
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.0417-8714R2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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