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The efficiency of education in generating literacy: a stochastic frontier approach

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  • De Witte, K.
  • Maassen van den Brink, H.
  • Groot, W.

Abstract

The growing importance attached to education as a key factor to improve economic performance coupled with the persistent scarcity of resources for education makes it important that skills and literacy are produced efficiently. This paper provides an international comparison of the efficiency of literacy production. We find substantial differences between countries in levels of literacy, differences in literacy between education levels and differences in the efficiency of literacy production. There are some notable differences between more Anglo-Saxon countries and the Continental European countries. The findings suggest that in almost all countries the scope for efficiency improvements in education is large. So even without major increases in (public) funding, improvements in educational outcomes are achievable. We can get better value for the money we spend on education.

Suggested Citation

  • De Witte, K. & Maassen van den Brink, H. & Groot, W., 2010. "The efficiency of education in generating literacy: a stochastic frontier approach," Working Papers 30, Top Institute for Evidence Based Education Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:tir:wpaper:30
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    Cited by:

    1. Guillermo Jopen Sánchez, 2016. "Measuring Technical Efficiency in Primary Education: Evidences for Peruvian Case," Working Papers 77, Peruvian Economic Association.
    2. Haelermans, Carla & Ruggiero, John, 2013. "Estimating technical and allocative efficiency in the public sector: A nonparametric analysis of Dutch schools," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 227(1), pages 174-181.
    3. Guillermo Jopen Sánchez, 2017. "Factores discrecionales y no discrecionales de la eficiencia educativa: evidencias para el caso peruano," Documentos de Trabajo / Working Papers 2017-437, Departamento de Economía - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I22 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Educational Finance; Financial Aid
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General

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