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Math Scores in High Stakes Grades

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  • Brunello, Giorgio

    (University of Padova)

  • Kiss, David

    (Leibniz University of Hannover)

Abstract

We investigate whether tests taken during a high stakes grade by German primary and secondary students produce higher math scores than in lower stakes grades. We identify a high stakes grade with the final grade of primary or secondary school, because good performance in that grade can affect future opportunities. Our difference-in-differences estimates show that high stakes increase math scores on average by 0.17 to 0.23 standard deviations, a sizeable effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Brunello, Giorgio & Kiss, David, 2019. "Math Scores in High Stakes Grades," IZA Discussion Papers 12338, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12338
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    Cited by:

    1. Posso, Christian & Saravia, Estefanía & Uribe, Pablo, 2023. "Acing the test: Educational effects of the SaberEs test preparation program in Colombia," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    (perceived) returns to education; high stakes testing; student motivation; achievement;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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