Abstract

Selection response of parents to low school quality, for instance large class sizes, is a major problem when estimating causal class‐size effects, also in experimental and quasi‐experimental studies. To address this problem a new identification strategy using within‐school variation over time in the size of subject‐specific classes is proposed. It provides random class‐size variation and enables tests for possible selection using test scores in other subjects. Applying this approach to Danish administrative data, highly significant and substantial positive effects of reducing class size are found on examination marks in French. Effects are larger for academically weak students and for boys.

Studiedesign
Regression
Dansk studie
Ja
Nordiske studier
Nej
Fuld reference
Heinesen, Eskil, Estimating Class-Size Effects Using Within-School Variation in Subject-Specific Classes (2009-06-13). The Economic Journal, Vol. 120, Issue 545, pp. 737-760, June 2010
Investeringsdetalje Målgruppe Køn Effektmål overordnet Effektmål detaljeret Effekt Signifikant Enhed
Klassestørrelse reduceres med 1 elev 9. klasse Samlet Afgangskarakterer Afgangskarakterer, fransk, 9. klasse 0,03 Ja Standardiseret