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Why do students leave school early in OECD countries? The role of regional labor markets and school policies

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  • Julien Bonnet
  • Fabrice Murtin

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of early school leaving (ESL) in a panel of 371 regions of OECD countries observed between 1998 and 2019. The empirical analysis includes both local factors previously emphasized by micro‐economic studies and national‐level factors such as education policies. We find that labor market opportunities for young people, as captured by the youth unemployment rate or the size of low‐skill sectors, can pull students out of school. Conversely, late access to a large number of vocational education tracks, high preprimary enrollment and continuous training for teachers are strongly and negatively correlated with ESL rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Julien Bonnet & Fabrice Murtin, 2024. "Why do students leave school early in OECD countries? The role of regional labor markets and school policies," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 64(2), pages 277-307, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jregsc:v:64:y:2024:i:2:p:277-307
    DOI: 10.1111/jors.12671
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    References listed on IDEAS

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