Can higher-achieving peers explain the benefits to attending selective schools? Evidence from Trinidad and Tobago

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Public Economics
Year: 2013
Volume: 108
Issue: C
Pages: 63-77

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Using exogenous secondary school assignments to remove self-selection bias to schools and peers within schools, I credibly estimate both (1) the effect of attending schools with higher-achieving peers, and (2) the direct effect of short-run peer quality improvements within schools, on the same population. While students at schools with higher-achieving peers have better academic achievement, within-school short-run increases in peer achievement improve outcomes only at high-achievement schools. Short-run (direct) peer quality accounts for only one tenth of school value-added on average, but at least one-third among the most selective schools. There are large and important differences by gender.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:pubeco:v:108:y:2013:i:c:p:63-77
Journal Field
Public
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-25