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Determinants of Success in High School Economics: Lessons from the Field

Author

Listed:
  • Michael C. Kimmitt

    (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa)

  • Kimberly M. Burnett

    (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii at Manoa)

Abstract

Recently, the Hawaii Council on Economic Education conducted a survey of high school seniors to gauge their understanding of basic economic concepts. Based on these results, we conduct a series of case studies, consisting of interviews with principals and economics teachers at eight Hawaii public high schools. We summarize the qualitative and quantitative results of these interviews. We then use these and other data to estimate the effects of school, demographic, and other characteristics on average student achievement on the survey. We find that the improvement in student test scores as a result of a one semester economics course is modest, but that the single greatest determinant of achievement is overall school quality. Based on these and other findings, we present recommendations for policy and further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael C. Kimmitt & Kimberly M. Burnett, 2006. "Determinants of Success in High School Economics: Lessons from the Field," Working Papers 200609, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hai:wpaper:200609
    as

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    File URL: http://www.economics.hawaii.edu/research/workingpapers/WP_06-9.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Grimes & Deborah Lee, 2000. "Economic education and economic growth," Atlantic Economic Journal, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 28(4), pages 490-490, December.
    2. Sam Allgood & William B. Walstad, 1999. "The Longitudinal Effects of Economic Education on Teachers and Their Students," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(2), pages 99-111, January.
    3. Becker, William E & Greene, William & Rosen, Sherwin, 1990. "Research on High School Economic Education," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 80(2), pages 14-22, May.
    4. Robert J. Highsmith & William J. Baumol, 1991. "Education in Economics: Evidence on Determinants of Effectiveness," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 73(5), pages 1378-1385.
    5. William B. Walstad, 2001. "Economic Education in U.S. High Schools," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(3), pages 195-210, Summer.
    6. William B. Walstad & Ken Rebeck, 2001. "Assessing the Economic Understanding of U.S. High School Students," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(2), pages 452-457, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • A22 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Undergraduate
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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