Does high school ranking impact education outcomes?
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Impact of High School Ranking on Education Outcomes
High School Ranking and Educational Attainment
Research indicates that a student's rank within their high school cohort significantly impacts their educational outcomes. Students with higher ranks are more likely to complete high school and pursue higher education. This effect is attributed to higher expectations about their future careers and a greater sense of perceived intelligence among higher-ranked students .
Influence on College Major Choice
High school ranking also affects students' choices of college majors. For instance, students with higher ranks in math are more likely to choose STEM fields, while those with higher ranks in English tend to opt for Arts and Social Sciences. This trend is significant and highlights the role of subject-specific ranking in shaping academic and career paths.
Long-Term Outcomes and Earnings
The impact of high school ranking extends into long-term outcomes. Students with higher ranks in elementary school are more likely to achieve higher test scores later, enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, graduate from high school, attend college, and ultimately earn higher wages. These findings underscore the lasting influence of early academic ranking on future success.
Student Growth and High School Quality
The relationship between high school ranking and student growth is complex. Higher-ranked high schools generally see greater student growth in total scores, although there are exceptions. For example, some lower-ranked schools outperform higher-ranked ones in specific subjects like Physics and Chemistry. This suggests that while overall ranking is important, subject-specific strengths of schools also play a crucial role in student development.
Broader Implications and Policy Considerations
The broader literature on the effects of academic rank reveals that higher-ranked students tend to have better long-term outcomes across various educational settings and countries. These effects are substantial compared to other factors and interventions. However, the current state of knowledge is not yet sufficient to inform specific policy interventions aimed at improving student outcomes based on rank effects alone.
Conclusion
In summary, high school ranking significantly impacts educational outcomes, influencing everything from high school completion rates to college major choices and long-term earnings. While higher-ranked students generally fare better, the nuances of subject-specific strengths and the broader educational environment also play critical roles. Further research is needed to translate these findings into effective educational policies.
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