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For whom the reductions count: A quantile regression analysis of class size and peer effects on scholastic achievement

  • Jesse Levin
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Part of the Studies in Empirical Economics book series (STUDEMP)

Abstract

In this paper the controversial educational topic of class size reduction is addressed. Controlling for a large number of observable characteristics and potential endogeneity in the class size variable, an educational production function is estimated using a quantile regression technique. The “conventional wisdom” that class size reduction is a viable means to increase scholastic achievement is discounted. Rather, the results point towards a far stronger peer effect through which class size reduction may play an important role. Due to heterogeneity in the newly identified peer effect, class size reduction is shown to be a potentially regressive policy measure.

Key words

Quantile regression class size educational production educational equity. 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2002

Authors and Affiliations

  • Jesse Levin
    • 1
  1. 1.NWO Program SCHOLAR and Tinbergen InstituteUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands

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