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Targeted vs. General Education Investments: Evidence from Special Education and English Language Learners in Boston Charter Schools
- Journal of Human Resources
- University of Wisconsin Press
- Volume 56, Number 4, Fall 2021
- pp. 1073-1112
- Article
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ABSTRACT:
Using novel variation in special education and English language learner classification from admissions lotteries, I find that students can achieve large academic gains without specialized services. Enrolling in a Boston charter doubles the likelihood that students lose their special education or English language learner status, but exposes students to a high-performing general education program. Effects extend to college—charters nearly double the likelihood that English language learners enroll in four-year colleges and quadruple two-year college graduation rates for special education students. Results suggest that high-quality general education practices drive the gains and find no detrimental effect from reduced classification.