Work

Early Childhood Education by Television: Lessons fromSesame Street

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate whether preschool-age children exposed to Sesame Street when it aired in 1969 experienced improved educational and labor market outcomes. We exploit geographic variation in broadcast reception derived from technological factors, namely UHF versus VHF transmission. This variation is then related to census data on grade-for-age status, educational attainment, and labor market outcomes. The results indicate that Sesame Street improved school performance, particularly for boys. The point estimates for long-term educational and labor market outcomes are generally imprecise. (JEL I21, I26, J13, J24, L82)

Source: American Economic Journal Applied Economics

DOI: 10.1257/app.20170300

Authors: Melissa S. Kearney, Phillip B. Levine

Institutions: University of Maryland, College Park, National Bureau of Economic Research, Wellesley College

Language: English

Topic: Child Development and Digital Technology

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W2906721660

FWCI: 12.04

Cites: 23

Cited by: 58

Related to: 10