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New Evidence about Brown v. Board of Education: The Complex Effects of School Racial Composition on Achievement

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  • Eric A. Hanushek
  • John F. Kain
  • Steven G. Rivkin

Abstract

Uncovering the effect of school racial composition is difficult because racial mixing is not accidental but instead an outcome of government and family choices. Using rich panel data on the achievement of Texas students, we disentangle racial composition effects from other aspects of school quality and from differences in abilities and family background. The estimates strongly indicate that a higher percentage of black schoolmates reduces achievement for blacks, while it implies a much smaller and generally insignificant effect on whites. These results suggest that existing levels of segregation in Texas explain a small but meaningful portion of the racial achievement gap. (c) 2009 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric A. Hanushek & John F. Kain & Steven G. Rivkin, 2009. "New Evidence about Brown v. Board of Education: The Complex Effects of School Racial Composition on Achievement," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 27(3), pages 349-383, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:v:27:y:2009:i:3:p:349-383
    DOI: 10.1086/600386
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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education
    • H4 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods

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