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Geographical Differences in Italian Students' Mathematical Competencies: Evidence from Pisa 2003

Author

Listed:
  • Massimiliano Bratti

    (University of Milan)

  • Daniele Checchi

    (University of Milan)

  • Antonio Filippin

    (University of Milan)

Abstract

In this paper we investigate the existence and the size of geographical differences in Italian students’ mathematical competencies. We analyze a novel data set that combines the 2003 wave of the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) with information about local economic conditions and school-level administrative data. We find there is significant positive correlation, across provinces, between mathematical literacy and school buildings maintenance and local employment probabilities. About 75% of the North-South differential in mathematical literacy is accounted for by resource differences, while geographical differences in school production functions account for the remaining fraction.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimiliano Bratti & Daniele Checchi & Antonio Filippin, 2007. "Geographical Differences in Italian Students' Mathematical Competencies: Evidence from Pisa 2003," Giornale degli Economisti, GDE (Giornale degli Economisti e Annali di Economia), Bocconi University, vol. 66(3), pages 299-333, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gde:journl:gde_v66_n3_p299-333
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Oaxaca, Ronald, 1973. "Male-Female Wage Differentials in Urban Labor Markets," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 14(3), pages 693-709, October.
    2. Edward P. Lazear, 2001. "Educational Production," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 116(3), pages 777-803.
    3. Giorgio Brunello & Daniele Checchi, 2004. "School Vouchers Italian Style," Giornale degli Economisti, GDE (Giornale degli Economisti e Annali di Economia), Bocconi University, vol. 63(3-4), pages 357-399, December.
    4. Petra E. Todd & Kenneth I. Wolpin, 2003. "On The Specification and Estimation of The Production Function for Cognitive Achievement," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 113(485), pages 3-33, February.
    5. Daniele Checchi, 2004. "Da dove vengono le competenze scolastiche?," Stato e mercato, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 3, pages 413-454.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    education; PISA; students; territorial differences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education

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