RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 High-Ability Influencers?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 633
OP 665
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.4.0920-11170R1
VO 58
IS 2
A1 Simone Balestra
A1 Aurélien Sallin
A1 Stefan C. Wolter
YR 2023
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/58/2/633.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, and 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.