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Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons from Sesame Street

Author

Listed:
  • Melissa S. Kearney
  • Phillip B. Levine

Abstract

We investigate whether preschool-age children exposed to Sesame Street when it aired in 1969 experienced improved educational and labor market outcomes. We exploit geographic variation in broadcast reception derived from technological factors, namely UHF versus VHF transmission. This variation is then related to Census data on grade-for-age status, educational attainment, and labor market outcomes. The results indicate that Sesame Street improved school performance, particularly for boys. The point estimates for long-term educational and labor market outcomes are generally imprecise.

Suggested Citation

  • Melissa S. Kearney & Phillip B. Levine, 2019. "Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons from Sesame Street," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 11(1), pages 318-350, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:11:y:2019:i:1:p:318-50
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.20170300
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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    1. Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons from Sesame Street (American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2019) in ReplicationWiki

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