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OK Boomer: Generational differences in teacher quality

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  • Nguyen, Nhu
  • Ost, Ben
  • Qureshi, Javaeria A.

Abstract

We document that recent generations of elementary school teachers are significantly more effective at raising math test scores for students than those from earlier generations. Measuring teachers’ value-added for Black and White students separately, the improvements in teaching for Black students are significantly larger than those seen for White students. For reading, we find no evidence of generational differences in either overall or race-specific teacher quality. The race-specific improvements in teacher quality in math are driven by White teachers. Our results suggest reason for optimism since these teacher quality differences should lead to improved student learning and a narrowing of the Black-White test score gap over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Nguyen, Nhu & Ost, Ben & Qureshi, Javaeria A., 2025. "OK Boomer: Generational differences in teacher quality," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pubeco:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0047272725000167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105318
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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