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The dynamics of the evolution of the Black--White test score gap

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  • Kitae Sohn

Abstract

We apply a quantile version of the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition to estimate the counterfactual distribution of the test scores of Black students. In the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998--1999 (ECLS-K), we find that the gap initially appears only at the top of the distribution of test scores. As children age, however, the gap at the top shrinks whereas the gap in the middle part of the distribution grows. Moreover, the gap due to differences in the effect, rather than amount, of characteristics becomes important.

Suggested Citation

  • Kitae Sohn, 2012. "The dynamics of the evolution of the Black--White test score gap," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(2), pages 175-188, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:20:y:2012:i:2:p:175-188
    DOI: 10.1080/09645292.2010.488487
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    1. Maggie Jones & Michael Barber, 2019. "Inequalities in Test Scores between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Youth in Canada," Department Discussion Papers 1904, Department of Economics, University of Victoria.
    2. Barber, Michael & Jones, Maggie E.C., 2021. "Inequalities in test scores between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in Canada," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).

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