The Short and Long-Run Effects of Attending the Schools That Parents Prefer

Working Paper: NBER ID: w24920

Authors: Diether W. Beuermann; C. Kirabo Jackson

Abstract: Using meta-analysis we find that, on average, sought-after schools do not improve student test scores. A potential explanation for this result is that parents value schools that improve outcomes not well-measured by test scores. We explore this notion using both administrative and survey data from Barbados. Using a regression discontinuity design, preferred schools have better peers but do not improve short-run test scores. Consistent with the proposed explanation, the same students at the same schools have more post-secondary school completion and improved adult well-being (based on an index of educational attainment, occupational rank, earnings, and health). These long-run benefits are larger for females who also experience reduced teen motherhood. Mechanisms are explored.

Keywords: school quality; educational outcomes; long-run effects; parental preferences

JEL Codes: H0; I20; J0

Causal Claims

Cause	Effect
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Improved long-run benefits (D15)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Higher rates of postsecondary school completion (I23)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Improved adult well-being (I31)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Enhanced educational attainment (I24)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Improved occupational rank (J62)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Increased earnings (J31)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Improved health in adulthood (I12)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Improved social networks (Z13)
Improved social networks (Z13)	Better employment opportunities (J68)
Better employment opportunities (J68)	Improved educational outcomes in adulthood (I21)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Reduced rates of teen motherhood (J13)
Attending preferred schools (I23)	Behavioral changes leading to health improvements (I12)