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Do More School Resources Increase Learning Outcomes? Evidence from an Extended School-Day Reform

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Listed:
  • Aguero, Jorge M.

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Favara, Marta

    (University of Oxford)

  • Porter, Catherine

    (Lancaster University)

  • Sanchez, Alan

    (Group for the Analysis of Development (GRADE))

Abstract

Whether allocating more resources improves learning outcomes for students in low-performing public schools remains an open debate. We focus on the effect of increased instructional time, which is theoretically ambiguous due to possible compensating changes in effort by students, teachers or parents. Using a regression discontinuity approach, we find that a reform extending the school day increases math test scores, with a large effect size relative to other interventions. It also improved reading, technical skills and socio-emotional competencies. Our results are partly explained by reductions in home production by students, specialization by teachers and investments in pedagogical assistance to teachers.

Suggested Citation

  • Aguero, Jorge M. & Favara, Marta & Porter, Catherine & Sanchez, Alan, 2021. "Do More School Resources Increase Learning Outcomes? Evidence from an Extended School-Day Reform," IZA Discussion Papers 14240, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14240
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    Cited by:

    1. Cabrera-Hernández, Francisco & Padilla-Romo, María & Peluffo, Cecilia, 2023. "Full-time schools and educational trajectories: Evidence from high-stakes exams," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    2. Padilla-Romo, María, 2022. "Full-time schools, policy-induced school switching, and academic performance," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 79-103.
    3. Padilla-Romo, María & Peluffo, Cecilia & Viollaz, Mariana, 2022. "Parents' Effective Time Endowment and Divorce: Evidence from Extended School Days," IZA Discussion Papers 15304, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    extended school-day reform; Jornada Escolar Completa; JEC; Peru; Young Lives;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education

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