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Geographic isolation and learning: Evidence from rural schools in Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Bonilla-Mejía, Leonardo
  • Londoño-Ortega, Erika
  • Henao, María Fernanda

Abstract

Rural schools are usually behind in terms of learning, and this could be partly related to geographical isolation. We explore this hypothesis, assessing the causal effect of the distance between schools, towns, and State capitals on elementary school test scores. We use granular administrative records from Colombia and estimate spatial regression discontinuity models. Results indicate that the distance to both towns and State capitals negatively affect students test scores. The differences in educational inputs, such as teachers education attainment and contract stability, partly explain these gaps. A program providing monetary incentives to teachers in difficult access areas fails to attenuate the isolation effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonilla-Mejía, Leonardo & Londoño-Ortega, Erika & Henao, María Fernanda, 2024. "Geographic isolation and learning: Evidence from rural schools in Colombia," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:99:y:2024:i:c:s0272775724000165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2024.102522
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Geographic isolation; Education; Rural schools; Learning; Colombia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • R10 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General

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