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Who is doing better? Exploring the effect of COVID-19 on students’ academic performance across the test score distribution

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  • Silvia C. Gómez Soler
  • Juanita Cifuentes González
  • Luz Karime Abadía Alvarado

Abstract

Previous studies have found a negative effect on average student performance on standardised tests following the Covid-19 crisis. However, the effects might differ depending on the student’s position in the achievement distribution. Understanding distributional effects allows us to determine how to better direct resources to students most affected. Using a quantile treatment effects model, we estimate the effects of Covid-19 on academic performance of students in the Colombian standardised high school exit examination. Our estimates show a U-shaped pattern: the negative effect is smaller for students located at the tails of the test score distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia C. Gómez Soler & Juanita Cifuentes González & Luz Karime Abadía Alvarado, 2025. "Who is doing better? Exploring the effect of COVID-19 on students’ academic performance across the test score distribution," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(3), pages 417-431, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:edecon:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:417-431
    DOI: 10.1080/09645292.2024.2356231
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sergio Firpo, 2007. "Efficient Semiparametric Estimation of Quantile Treatment Effects," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 75(1), pages 259-276, January.
    2. Sergio Firpo & Cristine Pinto, 2016. "Identification and Estimation of Distributional Impacts of Interventions Using Changes in Inequality Measures," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 31(3), pages 457-486, April.
    3. Clark, Andrew E. & Nong, Huifu & Zhu, Hongjia & Zhu, Rong, 2021. "Compensating for academic loss: Online learning and student performance during the COVID-19 pandemic," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    4. Marín Llanes, Lucas & Rodríguez Pico, Mariana & Maldonado, Darío & García, Sandra, 2023. "Learning inequality during Covid-19: Evidence from secondary schools in Colombia," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    5. Kuzmanic, Danilo & Valenzuela, Juan Pablo & Claro, Susana & Canales, Andrea & Cerda, Daniela & Undurraga, Eduardo A., 2023. "Socioeconomic disparities in the reopening of schools during the pandemic in Chile," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
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