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Research ArticleArticles

First Impressions Matter

Evidence From Elementary-School Teachers

Marcos A. Rangel and Ying Shi
Published online before print November 07, 2023, 1121-12003R2; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1121-12003R2
Marcos A. Rangel
‡Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University; 262 Rubenstein Hall, Box 90312, Durham, NC 27708; Email: ; Phone: (919) 613–7340.
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Ying Shi
‡Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University; 262 Rubenstein Hall, Box 90312, Durham, NC 27708; Email: ; Phone: (919) 613–7340.
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Abstract

We study the empirical relevance of first impressions in the context of education. We find that teachers who begin their careers in classrooms with large White-Black incoming score differentials carry negative views into evaluations of future cohorts of Black students relative to their White classmates. our evidence is based on novel data on blind-scored evaluations and non-blind public school teacher assessments of fourth and fifth graders in North carolina. Teachers’ perceptions are particularly sensitive to early classrooms with relatively low-performing Black students, but not to those with relatively high-performing Black students. Since teacher expectations can shape grading patterns and sorting into academic tracks as well as students’ own beliefs and behaviors, these findings suggest an important link between specific teachers’ novice experiences and the persistence of racial gaps in educational attainment and achievement.

JEL Codes:
  • I24
  • J15

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Journal of Human Resources: 60 (3)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 60, Issue 3
1 May 2025
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First Impressions Matter
Marcos A. Rangel, Ying Shi
Journal of Human Resources Nov 2023, 1121-12003R2; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.1121-12003R2

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First Impressions Matter
Marcos A. Rangel, Ying Shi
Journal of Human Resources Nov 2023, 1121-12003R2; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.1121-12003R2
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Keywords

  • I24
  • J15
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