RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Dynamics of the Gender Gap in High Math Achievement
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 1679
OP 1711
DO 10.3368/jhr.58.5.0620-10972R1
VO 58
IS 5
A1 Glenn Ellison
A1 Ashley Swanson
YR 2023
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/58/5/1679.abstract
AB We examine dynamics in the gender gap in high school mathematics achievement using competition data. A clear gender gap is present by ninth grade, and the gap widens over time. Gender-related differences in dropout rates and in the mean and variance of year-to-year improvement contribute to the widening of the gender gap. The most important difference is that fewer girls make large enough gains to improve their rankings. We also document a discouragement effect: among students falling just short of qualifying for a prestigious second-stage exam, some drop out of future years, and this reaction may be stronger among girls.