RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Little Now for a Lot Later
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 591
OP 639
DO 10.3368/jhr.45.3.591
VO 45
IS 3
A1 Jackson, C. Kirabo
YR 2010
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/45/3/591.abstract
AB I analyze a program implemented in Texas schools serving underprivileged populations that pays both students and teachers for passing grades on Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Using a difference-in-differences strategy, I find that program adoption is associated with increased AP course and exam taking, increases in the number of students with high SAT/ACT scores, and increases in college matriculation. The rewards don’t appear to distort behaviors in undesirable ways, and I present evidence that teachers and students were not simply maximizing rewards. Guidance counselors credit the improvements to greater AP access, changes in social norms towards APs, and better student information.