Using data on collectively bargained outcomes in Pennsylvania schools in 1983–89, the authors find a strong relationship between the returns to education and tenure and the distribution of those attributes in the bargaining unit. For instance, the higher the median level of teacher tenure...

Using data on collectively bargained outcomes in Pennsylvania schools in 1983-89, the authors find a strong relationship between the returns to education and tenure and the distribution of those attributes in the bargaining unit. For instance, the higher the median level of teacher tenure in a...

The authors model the politics of wage and employment determination for unionized public-sector workers who can strike. If the employment level affects the identity of the decisive voter in budget referenda and other elections, then unions may be able to increase wages by increasing employment....

Since the early 1980s, the vast majority of states have implemented enterprise zones. This paper analyzes urban zones in six states, examining the factors that states use to choose zone locations and the subsequent effect of the zones on business activity and employment. The source of outcome...

This paper examines the impact of a gifted program on retention in an urban school district using a regression discontinuity design. Gifted programs often employ IQ thresholds for admission, with those above the threshold being admitted. One common problem with the RD design arises if the...

We study the effectiveness of magnet programs in an urban district that ration excess demand by admission lotteries. Differential attrition arises since students who lose the lottery are more likely to pursue options outside the school district than students who win the lottery. When students...

This paper examines whether gifted programs can help urban districts retain students. Gifted programs often IQ thresholds for admission, which creates strong incentives to manipulate the IQ score of students to increase access to the program. In the presence of local manipulation, the standard...

Examines an urban district that had to close schools as a result of shrinking enrollment and made student achievement a factor in decision making.