ERIC Number: EJ1275640
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0964-5292
EISSN: N/A
Academic Achievement and Tracking -- A Theory Based on Grading Standards
Ehlers, Tim; Schwager, Robert
Education Economics, v28 n6 p587-600 2020
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 learn. 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 a higher eagerness to learn, merging classes will increase the average performance.
Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Academic Ability, Grading, Models, Parent Background, Learning Motivation, Standards, Track System (Education), Peer Influence, Equal Education, Educational Opportunities, Incentives, Heterogeneous Grouping, Comprehensive Programs, Achievement Gains, Educational Theories
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A