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From curriculum to career: Early-career labor market effects of the Common Core

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  • Hahm, Dong Woo

Abstract

This paper examines early-career labor market effects of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a nationwide curriculum standards reform aimed at raising K-12 instructional standards. Leveraging variation in the timing of CCSS adoption across states and differential exposure across birth cohorts, I apply a difference-in-differences framework to American Community Survey data. The results show that greater CCSS exposure increases young adults’ wage income, primarily through higher labor supply along the intensive margin rather than through changes in educational attainment or labor force participation. Evidence on occupations, industries, and college degree fields suggests that the CCSS improved sorting into jobs requiring less physical abilities and more interpersonal and cognitive skills. The findings highlight the potential of nationwide, standards-based reforms to enhance baseline labor market readiness and support more equitable early-career outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hahm, Dong Woo, 2026. "From curriculum to career: Early-career labor market effects of the Common Core," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:110:y:2026:i:c:s0272775725001384
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2025.102758
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    JEL classification:

    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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