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SLEP-less in Santiago: The effect of local educational services in Chile

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  • Chumacero, Rómulo A.
  • Letelier S, Leonardo

Abstract

This paper presents a newly conducted evaluation of a reform to the educational system in Chile, implemented in 2018. The reform created school districts known as Local Education Services (SLEP), marking a shift away from the decentralized spirit of the voucher system instituted in 1981. We conduct several econometric exercises to evaluate its effects on standardized test scores (SIMCE) taken by 4th-grade students. The results consistently show no significant effect. Robustness checks—including the inclusion of covariates, changes in control group composition, and tests of the parallel trends assumption—confirm the validity of these findings. We extend the analysis to 8th- and 10th-grade students and obtain similar results. Taken together, the evidence indicates that the SLEP reform has not led to measurable improvements in academic achievement.

Suggested Citation

  • Chumacero, Rómulo A. & Letelier S, Leonardo, 2025. "SLEP-less in Santiago: The effect of local educational services in Chile," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s0038012125001788
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2025.102329
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • H73 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Interjurisdictional Differentials and Their Effects
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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