This paper examines the effects of policies that increase the number of students who take the first course in algebra in 8th grade, rather than waiting until 9th grade. Extending previous research that focused on the Charlotte-Mecklenberg school system, we use data for the 10 largest districts...

In 2002/03, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina initiated a broad program of accelerating entry into algebra coursework. The proportion of moderately-performing students taking algebra in 8th grade increased from half to 85%, then reverted to baseline levels, in the span of just...

Despite the undeniable trend over time toward greater professionalization of so many activities, including those of government and nonprofit organizations, a significant amount of effort that advances social policy in the United States continues to be carried out by persons who receive little,...

This paper presents measures of segregation in public schools for metropolitan areas. It shows that, not only are metropolitan areas very segregated, most of that segregation is due to racial disparities between districts rather than segregative patterns within districts. Metropolitan areas in...

We use data on statewide end-of-course tests in North Carolina to examine the relationship between teacher credentials and student achievement at the high school level. We find compelling evidence that teacher credentials, particularly licensure and certification, affects student achievement in...

Charitable contributions made by individuals constitute one of the principal sources of finance for the vast nonprofit sector in the United States. In spite of, or perhaps because of, the apparent incongruity between giving and the usual kind of selfish behavior portrayed in economics textbooks,...

This paper summarizes the principal empirical findings and major arguments contained in Buying the Best: Cost Escalation in Elite Higher Education (Princeton University Press, 1996). Using detailed unpublished data on expenditures, faculty teaching, class size, and other items, the study focuses...