The Effect of Common Core on Student Achievement

• In Event: Intense Challenges and Opportunities in Curriculum Policy

Abstract

Much debate on education policy has focused on potential consequences of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for various stakeholders. However, there is limited empirical evidence about its effects on student achievement. In this paper, we run generalized difference-in-differences models to estimate causal impact of the introduction of the CCSS on student achievement ten years after their introduction. We combine information on the introduction and implementation of the CCSS with individual and school level student achievement data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Results suggest a null impact of CCSS on student achievement in subjects targeted by CCSS, and a small negative effect in subjects not targeted by CCSS. We discuss subgroup heterogeneities and mechanisms.

Authors

• Benjamin Arold, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

• M. Danish Shakeel, Harvard University