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Cited by 1School Choice and PerformanceEducational Assessment and ImprovementSchool Leadership and Teacher Performance

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The long run effects of a teacher-focused school reform on student outcomes

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Cohodes, Sarah R., Eren, Ozkan, Ozturk, Orgul·2026·Journal of Public Economics
DOI 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105561
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Abstract

This paper examines the effects of a teacher-focused school reform program — combining performance pay with teacher observation and feedback — implemented in high-need schools on students’ longer-run educational, criminal justice, and economic self-sufficiency outcomes. Using linked administrative data from a Southern state, we leverage the quasi-randomness of the timing of program adoption across schools to show that the school reform improved educational attainment and reduced both felony criminal activity before age 19 and dependence on government assistance in early adulthood (ages 18–22). We find little scope for student sorting or changes in the composition of teacher workforce to explain the findings, and instead find changes in school climate consistent with improved school environments and increased teacher efficiency. Program benefits far exceeded its costs. A comparison with a similar educator-focused reform suggests that the individual incentive component of the program is necessary but not sufficient to improve student outcomes. • Teacher-focused reform combining performance pay with teacher observation, and feedback improved student outcomes. • Reform increased educational attainment, reduced felony crime activity, and lowered welfare reliance in early adulthood. • Gains were driven by improved school climate and teacher efficiency, not sorting. • Benefits exceeded costs.

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Metadata

Authors
Cohodes, S. R., Eren, O., & Ozturk, O.
Affiliations
  • National Bureau of Economic Research (US)
  • University of South Carolina (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Public Economics
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2026-01
Volume
253
Pages
105561
ISSN
0047-2727 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jpubeco.2025.105561
OpenAlex
W7118004852
Cited by
1
References
8
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
21.20
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Journal of Public Economics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › School Choice and Performance
  • Social Sciences › Education › Educational Assessment and Improvement
  • Social Sciences › Education › School Leadership and Teacher Performance
Keywords
teacher performance pay, educational reform, high-need schools, student outcomes, educational attainment, welfare dependency, early adulthood, school climate, teacher efficiency, student sorting, cost-benefit analysis

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