The Effects of Test-Based Retention on Student Outcomes Over Time: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from Florida

69 Pages Posted: 31 Aug 2015 Last revised: 9 Oct 2024

See all articles by Guido Schwerdt

Guido Schwerdt

University of Konstanz - Faculty of Economics and Statistics

Martin R. West

Harvard Graduate School of Education

Marcus A. Winters

Boston University, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development; Manhattan Institute for Policy Research

Multiple version iconThere are 3 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 2015

Abstract

Many American states require that students lacking basic reading proficiency after third grade be retained and remediated. We exploit a discontinuity in retention probabilities under Florida's test-based promotion policy to study its effects on student outcomes through high school. We find large positive effects on achievement that fade out entirely when retained students are compared to their same-age peers, but remain substantial through grade 10 when compared to students in the same grade. Being retained in third grade due to missing the promotion standard increases students' grade point averages and leads them to take fewer remedial courses in high school but has no effect on their probability of graduating.

Suggested Citation

Schwerdt, Guido and West, Martin R. and Winters, Marcus A., The Effects of Test-Based Retention on Student Outcomes Over Time: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from Florida (August 2015). NBER Working Paper No. w21509, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2653520

Guido Schwerdt (Contact Author)

University of Konstanz - Faculty of Economics and Statistics ( email )

Universitaetsstr. 10
78457 Konstanz
Germany

Martin R. West

Harvard Graduate School of Education ( email )

6 Appian Way
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Marcus A. Winters

Boston University, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development ( email )

595 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
United States

Manhattan Institute for Policy Research ( email )

52 Vanderbilt Ave.
New York, NY 10017
United States
212-599-7000 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.manhattan-institute.org

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