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School Size and Student Achievement: Does One Size Fit All?

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  • Laura M Crispin

    (Department of Economics, Saint Joseph’s University)

Abstract

I estimate value-added education production functions and control for a wide range of educational inputs associated with school size in order to establish the role of school size in the educational process. I estimate separately for urban, suburban, and rural schools to account for the distinct differences in the educational process by location. I find that for urban and rural schools, the size–achievement relationship is U-shaped, indicating that achievement is highest in the smallest and largest schools. My findings suggest that one size does not fit all, but that relatively small and relatively large schools may benefit students in most locations.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura M Crispin, 2016. "School Size and Student Achievement: Does One Size Fit All?," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 42(4), pages 630-662, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:42:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1057_eej.2015.2
    DOI: 10.1057/eej.2015.2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Koussihouèdé, Oswald, 2020. "Primary school size and learning achievement in Senegal: Testing the quantity–quality trade-off," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).

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