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Research ArticleArticles

The Impact of Teacher Training on Student Achievement

Quasi-Experimental Evidence from School Reform Efforts in Chicago

Brian A. Jacob and Lars Lefgren
Journal of Human Resources, January 2004, XXXIX (1) 50-79; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.XXXIX.1.50
Brian A. Jacob
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Lars Lefgren
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Abstract

While there is a substantial literature on the relationship between general teacher characteristics and student learning, school districts and states often rely on in-service teacher training as a part of school reform efforts. Recent school reform efforts in Chicago provide an opportunity to examine in-service training using a quasi-experimental research design. In this paper, we use a regression discontinuity strategy to estimate the effect of teacher training on the math and reading performance of elementary students. We find that marginal increases in in-service training have no statistically or academically significant effect on either reading or math achievement, suggesting that modest investments in staff development may not be sufficient to increase the achievement of elementary school children in high-poverty schools.

  • Received April 2002.
  • Accepted August 2002.

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Journal of Human Resources
Vol. XXXIX, Issue 1
1 Jan 2004
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The Impact of Teacher Training on Student Achievement
Brian A. Jacob, Lars Lefgren
Journal of Human Resources Jan 2004, XXXIX (1) 50-79; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.XXXIX.1.50

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The Impact of Teacher Training on Student Achievement
Brian A. Jacob, Lars Lefgren
Journal of Human Resources Jan 2004, XXXIX (1) 50-79; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.XXXIX.1.50
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