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Charter School Practices and Student Selection: An Equilibrium Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis Epple

    (Carnegie Mellon University)

  • Francisco Martinez-Mora

    (University of Leicester)

  • Richard Romano

    (University of Florida)

Abstract

We provide a model to analyze charter school educational practices. Students differ in cognitive ability, motivation, and household income. Student achievement depends on ability, match of their school's curriculum to their ability, and effort. Charter schools choose curriculum to maximize achievement gains, optimally setting curriculum to attract lower ability students. Achievement gains are modest, consistent with empirical evidence. We also investigate "no excuses" charter schools. These charters enforce an effort minimum that attracts highly motivated students. We find, consistent with the evidence, that these charters are highly effective in increasing achievement, with the largest gains accruing to lower ability students.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Epple & Francisco Martinez-Mora & Richard Romano, 2022. "Charter School Practices and Student Selection: An Equilibrium Analysis," Working Papers 2022-032, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2022-032
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    education; cognitive ability; non-cognitive skills; household finance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • D19 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Other

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