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Early Tracking and the Misfortune of Being Young

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  • Nicole Schneeweis
  • Martina Zweimüller

Abstract

Recent research suggests that the relative age of a student within a grade has a causal effect on educational achievement, and that this effect fades with the duration of schooling. In this study, we estimate the causal relative-age effect on track choice in Austria, a country where students are first tracked in grade 5 (at the age of 10 years), and again in grade 9. We find a strong positive relative-age effect on track choice in grades 5–8. The age effect persists beyond grade 8 for students from less-favorable socioeconomic backgrounds and students in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole Schneeweis & Martina Zweimüller, 2014. "Early Tracking and the Misfortune of Being Young," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 116(2), pages 394-428, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:116:y:2014:i:2:p:394-428
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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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