CAN SMALL CLASS POLICY CLOSE THE GAP? AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF CLASS SIZE EFFECTS IN JAPAN

Hideo Akabayashi and Ryosuke Nakamura

No e051, Working Papers from Tokyo Center for Economic Research

Abstract: Can a smaller-class at school lead to a better educational outcome and more equality in achievement? We estimate the causal effects of class-size on achievement tests by using discontinuous changes in class-size under the Japanese public compulsory education system. We employ a value-added model using achievement test conducted at two different times during the same school year. Our results show a reduction in class-size has significant positive effects on Japanese language test scores in the sixth grade especially at schools in wealthy areas. That is, we find no evidence that a universal small-class policy closes the achievement gap among schools.

Pages: 51 pages
Date: 2012-11
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Related works:
Journal Article: Can Small Class Policy Close the Gap? An Empirical Analysis of Class Size Effects in Japan (2014)
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