Earning and Learning How Schools Matter

by Mayer, Susan E.; Peterson, Paul E.

• ISBN13: 9780815755296
• ISBN10: 0815755295
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-08-01
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Summary

Education is one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy--yet scholars, educators, policymakers, and parents do not agree about what the money spent on education really buys. In particular, they do not agree on how much education improves children's ability to learn or whether the things children learn in school truly improve their chances for success as adults. If schooling increases how much students know and what they know does pay off later, then it is important to ask what schools can do to increase students' learning and earning.The essays in this book report estimates of the effects of learning on earnings and other life outcomes. They also examine whether particular aspects of schooling--such as the age at which children begin school, classroom size, and curriculum--or structural reform--such as national or statewide examinations or school choice--affect learning. Taken together, their findings suggest that liberals are correct in saying that more investment is needed in early education, that class sizes should be further reduced, and that challenging national or state standards should be established. But they also provide support for conservatives who ask for a more demanding curriculum and greater school choice.Contributors include John Bishop, Eric Hanushek, James Heckman, Christopher Jencks, Caroline Minter Hoxby, Fred Mosteller, and Christopher Winship.

Author Biography

Susan E. Mayer is associate professor of sociology in the Harris School of Public Policy Studies at the University of Chicago. Paul E. Peterson is Henry Lee Shattuck Professor of Government and director, Program on Education Policy and Governance, Harvard University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	vii
PART ONE Schooling, Cognitive Skills, and Future Earnings
From Learning to Earning	3	(12)
Susan E. Mayer
Aptitude or Achievement: Why Do Test Scores Predict Educational Attainment and Earnings?	15	(34)
Christopher Jencks
Meredith Phillips
Economic Success and the Evolution of Schooling and Mental Ability	49	(30)
Christopher Winship
Sanders D. Korenman
Does the Timing of School Affect How Much Children Learn?	79	(26)
Susan E. Mayer
David Knutson
PART TWO Improving Schooling
School Reforms: How Much Do They Matter?	105	(12)
Paul E. Peterson
How Does Class Size Relate to Achievement in Schools?	117	(14)
Frederick Mosteller
The Evidence on Class Size	131	(38)
Eric A. Hanushek
The Effects of Math and Math-Related Courses in High School	169	(36)
Robert H. Meyer
Do Hard Courses and Good Grades Enhance Cognitive Skills?	205	(26)
Jay R. Girotto
Paul E. Peterson
Nerd Harassment, Incentives, School Priorities, and Learning	231	(50)
John H. Bishop
The Effects of School Choice on Curriculum and Atmosphere	281	(36)
Caroline M. Hoxby
The Effects of School Choice in New York City	317	(24)
Paul E. Peterson
David E. Myers
William G. Howell
Daniel P. Mayer
The Costs and Benefits of School Reform	341	(14)
Susan E. Mayer
Paul E. Peterson
Contributors	355	(2)
Index	357