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When Parents Get to Decide: Choice of Secondary School Track and Student Outcomes

Author

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  • Osikominu, Aderonke
  • Pfeifer, Gregor
  • Strohmaier, Kristina

Abstract

We exploit a German state-level reform that shifted the right to decide on students’ secondary school track from teachers to parents. Applying a disaggregated synthetic control approach to administrative data, we find that transition rates to higher tracks increase substantially, with stronger responses in richer districts. Simultaneously, grade repetition in the first grades of secondary school almost doubles, which has implications on graduation rates at the end of secondary school. Evidence from micro-level data allowing linkage of student achievement to family, teacher, and school characteristics confirms: when high-SES parents are given the right, they disproportionately place their children in higher-than-recommended tracks. This comes at the expense of worse achievement gains for their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Osikominu, Aderonke & Pfeifer, Gregor & Strohmaier, Kristina, 2025. "When Parents Get to Decide: Choice of Secondary School Track and Student Outcomes," CEPR Discussion Papers 20528, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:20528
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP20528
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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
    • C46 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Specific Distributions
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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