Presentation Type
Paper
Abstract
This study investigates the determinants of educational outcomes in the developing world by estimating an education production function for Botswanan secondary schools. Education plays an essential role in the development process, as a high-quality educational system is the only means by which a developing country expands its stock of human capital. Additionally, education contributes to the improvement of health outcomes and political institutions. Sub-Saharan Africa is perhaps the region of the world for which efficiency in education is most important, as policymakers are faced with the combination of a rapidly growing population, low levels of education, and limited resources. Without an accurate understanding of the determinants of educational outcomes, it will be difficult to enhance efficiency. Panel data from school districts are used to specify a translog production function, using scores from standardized math and science examinations as outputs, while using school inputs, student characteristics, and family background as regressors. The translog function is used in this study because it imposes few restrictions on the underlying production function. The results of this study have important policy implications for Botswana in particular and for all of Africa and the rest of the developing world in general.
Categories
Social Sciences
Research Type
Research Assistant
Mentor Information
Prof. Kwabena Gyimah-Brempong
Included in
An Education Production Function for Botswanan Secondary Schools
This study investigates the determinants of educational outcomes in the developing world by estimating an education production function for Botswanan secondary schools. Education plays an essential role in the development process, as a high-quality educational system is the only means by which a developing country expands its stock of human capital. Additionally, education contributes to the improvement of health outcomes and political institutions. Sub-Saharan Africa is perhaps the region of the world for which efficiency in education is most important, as policymakers are faced with the combination of a rapidly growing population, low levels of education, and limited resources. Without an accurate understanding of the determinants of educational outcomes, it will be difficult to enhance efficiency. Panel data from school districts are used to specify a translog production function, using scores from standardized math and science examinations as outputs, while using school inputs, student characteristics, and family background as regressors. The translog function is used in this study because it imposes few restrictions on the underlying production function. The results of this study have important policy implications for Botswana in particular and for all of Africa and the rest of the developing world in general.
