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Quasi‐experimental Estimates of the Effect of Class Size on Achievement in Norway

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  • Edwin Leuven
  • Hessel Oosterbeek
  • Marte Rønning

Abstract

Using a comprehensive Norwegian administrative database, we exploit independent quasi‐experimental methods to estimate the effect of class size on student achievement at the end of lower‐secondary school. Identification based on maximum class‐size rules and population variation (and variations on these methods) give very similar estimates. We cannot reject that the class‐size effect is equal to zero, and can rule out effects as small as 1.5 percent of a standard deviation for a one‐student change in class size during three consecutive years.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwin Leuven & Hessel Oosterbeek & Marte Rønning, 2008. "Quasi‐experimental Estimates of the Effect of Class Size on Achievement in Norway," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 110(4), pages 663-693, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:110:y:2008:i:4:p:663-693
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9442.2008.00556.x
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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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