RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 High-Ability Influencers? The Heterogeneous Effects of Gifted Classmates
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 0920-11170R1
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.4.0920-11170R1
A1 Simone Balestra
A1 Aurélien Sallin
A1 Stefan C. Wolter
YR 2021
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2021/02/03/jhr.58.4.0920-11170R1.abstract
AB We study the causal impact of intellectually gifted students on their nongifted classmates’ school achievement, enrollment in post-compulsory education, and occupational choices. Using student-level administrative and psychological data, we find a positive effect of exposure to gifted students on peers’ school achievement in both math and language. This impact is heterogeneous: larger effects are observed among male students and high achievers; female students benefit primarily from female gifted students; effects are driven by gifted students not diagnosed with emotional or behavioral disorders. Exposure to gifted students increases the likelihood of choosing a selective academic track and occupations in STEM fields.