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The impact of standardized test feedback in math: Exploiting a natural experiment in 3rd grade

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  • Beuchert, Louise
  • Eriksen, Tine Louise Mundbjerg
  • Krægpøth, Morten Visby

Abstract

This paper studies how information (grades) from standardized tests in mathaffects human capital formation in early schooling. We use a regression discontinuity design to estimate how later outcomes of children scoring just below or above the threshold separating two grades are affected. Our results demonstrate that providing information to parents about their child's educational performance in math in third grade can improve their future educational outcomes, regardless of the child's ability level. We also investigate subjective well-being measures, such as academic confidence and intrinsic motivation, and find no evidence that low-performing students are particularly sensitive to negative feedback from tests.

Suggested Citation

  • Beuchert, Louise & Eriksen, Tine Louise Mundbjerg & Krægpøth, Morten Visby, 2020. "The impact of standardized test feedback in math: Exploiting a natural experiment in 3rd grade," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:77:y:2020:i:c:s0272775719307642
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2020.102017
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    Cited by:

    1. Judith M. Delaney & Paul J. Devereux, 2021. "Gender and Educational Achievement: Stylized Facts and Causal Evidence," Working Papers 202103, School of Economics, University College Dublin.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Education; Test scores; Accountability; Standardized testing; Student well-being; Student mental health; Elementary school; Human capital investment; Performance information;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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