Journal of Labor Economics Vol. 30 No. 3 2012

Taking the Easy Way Out: How the GED Testing Program Induces Students to Drop Out

James J. Heckman¹; John Eric Humphries¹; Paul A LaFontaine²; Pedro L. Rodríguez³

¹ University of Chicago · ² American Bar Foundation · ³ Institute of Advanced Studies in Administration

Abstract

The option to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate changes the incentives facing high school students. This paper evaluates the effect of three different GED policy innovations on high school graduation rates. A six point decrease in the GED pass rate due to an increase in passing standards produced a 1.3 point decline in overall dropout rates. The introduction of a GED certification program in high schools in Oregon produced a four percent decrease in graduation rates. Introduction of GED certificates in California increased dropout rates by 3 points. The GED program induces high school students to drop out.

DOI

10.1086/664924

Volume

30

Issue

3

Pages

495-520

Language

en

Sources

openalex crossref

Cite

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