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The mathematics skills of school children: how does England compare to the high performing east Asian jurisdictions?

Author

Listed:
  • John Jerrim

    (University of London)

  • Álvaro Choi

    (Universitat de Barcelona & IEB)

Abstract

English policymakers have been disappointed with children’s performance on TIMSS and PISA, particularly in comparison to the results of young people from East Asia. In this paper we provide new insight into the England – East Asia gap by considering how cross-national differences in math test scores change between ages 10 and 16. Our results suggest that, although average math test scores are higher in East Asian countries, this gap does not increase between ages 10 and 16. Thus, reforming the secondary school system may not be the most effective way for England to ‘catch up’. Rather earlier intervention, during pre-school and primary school, may be needed instead.

Suggested Citation

  • John Jerrim & Álvaro Choi, 2013. "The mathematics skills of school children: how does England compare to the high performing east Asian jurisdictions?," Working Papers 2013/12, Institut d'Economia de Barcelona (IEB).
    • Handle: RePEc:ieb:wpaper:doc2013-12
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    Cited by:

    1. Contini, Dalit & Grand, Elisa, 2013. "On Estimating Achievement Dynamic Models from Repeated Cross-Sections," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201343, University of Turin.
    2. Contini, Dalit & Cugnata, Federica, 2016. "Learning inequalities between primary and secondary school. Difference-in-difference with international assessments," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201607, University of Turin.
    3. Contini, Dalit, 2014. "Cross-sectional learning assessments: comparability of regression coefficients and validity of difference-in-difference estimation to evaluate institutional effects," Department of Economics and Statistics Cognetti de Martiis. Working Papers 201431, University of Turin.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    PISA; TIMSS; educational policy; primary education; secondary education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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