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Making the Grade: The Effect of Teacher Grading Standards on Student Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Gershenson, Seth

    (American University)

  • Holt, Stephen B.

    (University at Albany, SUNY)

  • Tyner, Adam

    (Thomas B. Fordham Institute)

Abstract

Teachers are among the most important inputs in the education production function. One mechanism by which teachers might affect student learning is through the grading standards they set for their classrooms. However, the effects of grading standards on student outcomes are relatively understudied. Using administrative data that links individual students and teachers in 8th and 9th grade Algebra I classrooms from 2006 to 2016, we examine the effects of teachers' grading standards on student learning and attendance. High teacher grading standards in Algebra I increase student learning both in Algebra I and in subsequent math classes. The effect on student achievement is positive and similar in size across student characteristics and levels of ability, students' relative rank within the classroom, and school context. High teacher grading standards also lead to a modest reduction in student absences.

Suggested Citation

  • Gershenson, Seth & Holt, Stephen B. & Tyner, Adam, 2022. "Making the Grade: The Effect of Teacher Grading Standards on Student Outcomes," IZA Discussion Papers 15556, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nick Feltovich & Richmond Harbaugh & Ted To, 2002. "Too Cool for School? Signalling and Countersignalling," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 33(4), pages 630-649, Winter.
    2. Betts, Julian R. & Grogger, Jeff, 2003. "The impact of grading standards on student achievement, educational attainment, and entry-level earnings," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(4), pages 343-352, August.
    3. Thomas S. Dee & Brian A. Jacob, 2006. "Do High School Exit Exams Influence Educational Attainment or Labor Market Performance?," NBER Working Papers 12199, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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