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Public and Private School Grade Inflation Patterns in Secondary Education

Author

Listed:
  • Silva Pedro Luís

    (Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES), Matosinhos, Portugal)

  • DesJardins Stephen L.

    (Marsal Family School of Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

  • Biscaia Ricardo

    (Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES), Matosinhos, Portugal)

  • Sá Carla

    (Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES), Matosinhos, Portugal)

  • Teixeira Pedro N.

    (Centre for Research in Higher Education Policies (CIPES), Matosinhos, Portugal)

Abstract

We examine the extent of grade inflation in courses taken during high school and how such differences vary across student and school characteristics. Using administrative data, we assess grade inflation in Portuguese high schools over a decade. We propose a relative measure of grade inflation, comparing students’ high school grades to their national exam ranks. Examining various school types, we find that private schools tend to inflate grades more than their public school peers, particularly at the top of the ability distribution. A regional disaggregation indicates that the northern districts exhibit higher probabilities of grade inflation.

Suggested Citation

  • Silva Pedro Luís & DesJardins Stephen L. & Biscaia Ricardo & Sá Carla & Teixeira Pedro N., 2025. "Public and Private School Grade Inflation Patterns in Secondary Education," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 25(2), pages 305-342.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:bejeap:v:25:y:2025:i:2:p:305-342:n:1006
    DOI: 10.1515/bejeap-2024-0136
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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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