Work

In a Small Moment: Class Size and Moral Hazard in the Italian Mezzogiorno

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Instrumental variables (IV ) estimates show strong class-size effects in Southern Italy. But Italy's Mezzogiorno is distinguished by manipulation of standardized test scores as well as by economic disadvantage. IV estimates suggest small classes increase manipulation. We argue that score manipulation is a consequence of teacher shirking. IV estimates of a causal model for achievement as a function of class size and score manipulation show that class-size effects on measured achievement are driven entirely by the relationship between class size and manipulation. These results illustrate how consequential score manipulation can arise even in assessment systems with few accountability concerns. (JEL D82, H75, I21, I26, I28, J24, R23)

Source: American Economic Journal Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1257/app.20160267

Authors: Joshua D. Angrist, Erich Battistin, Daniela Vuri

Institutions: National Bureau of Economic Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Queen Mary University of London, University of Rome Tor Vergata

Language: English

Topic: School Choice and Performance

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2560435252

FWCI: 25.37

Cites: 34

Cited by: 65

Related to: 10