Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/207257 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 7866
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
We present a theory explaining the impact of ability tracking on academic performance based on grading policies. Our model distinguishes between initial ability, which is mainly determined by parental background, and eagerness to extend knowledge. We show that achievements of low ability students may be higher in a comprehensive school system, even if there are neither synergy effects nor interdependent preferences among classmates. This arises because the comprehensive school sets a compromise standard which exceeds the standard from the low ability track. Moreover, if students with lower initial ability have higher eagerness to learn, merging classes will increase average performance.
Subjects: 
ability tracking
comprehensive school
education
equality of opportunity
peer group effects
JEL: 
I21
I28
D63
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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