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Objective Course Placement and College Readiness: Evidence from Targeted Middle School Math Acceleration

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  • Shaun Dougherty
  • Joshua Goodman
  • Darryl Hill
  • Erica Litke
  • Lindsay C. Page

Abstract

Advanced math coursework can affect college and labor market outcomes, yet discretionary placement policies can lead to differential access at key points in the college preparatory pipeline. We examine a targeted approach to course assignment that uses prior test scores to identify middle school students deemed qualified for a college preparatory math sequence. Accelerated math placement of relatively low-skilled middle schoolers increases the fraction later enrolling in Precalculus by one-seventh, and by over one-third for female and non-low income students. Acceleration increases college readiness and intentions to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Course placement rules based on objective measures can identify students capable of completing rigorous coursework but whom discretionary systems might overlook.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaun Dougherty & Joshua Goodman & Darryl Hill & Erica Litke & Lindsay C. Page, 2015. "Objective Course Placement and College Readiness: Evidence from Targeted Middle School Math Acceleration," NBER Working Papers 21395, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:21395
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    Cited by:

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    4. Andrew McEachin & Thurston Domina & Andrew Penner, 2020. "Heterogeneous Effects of Early Algebra across California Middle Schools," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(3), pages 772-800, June.
    5. Hemelt, Steven W. & Lenard, Matthew A., 2020. "Math acceleration in elementary school: Access and effects on student outcomes," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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