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Leveling the Playing Field for High School Choice: Results From a Field Experiment

Sun, April 15, 2:45 to 4:15pm, New York Hilton Midtown, Floor: Second Floor, Madison

Abstract

We report the results of a field experiment in 165 New York City middle schools designed to assist low-income students with the high school choice process. The core intervention was a customized list of 30 geographically proximate schools with graduation rates above the city median. Two variations on this treatment included a supplementary list of non-selective high schools, and a list organized by theme or interest area. We examine the extent to which simplified information about school performance, location, and admissions requirements alter and improve students’ choices and placements. Students in treatment schools were substantially more likely to apply to recommended schools than those in control schools, and they matched to schools with higher graduation rates.

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