| Abstract: |
This paper uses Chile’s voucher system to provide new
evidence on whether private schools are more efficient than publicly
operated schools. It contributes to the world debate by analyzing
a universal voucher system. It contributes to previous Chilean
studies by reducing the selection bias and allowing heterogeneous
treatment effects. The results suggest that public schools are
neither uniformly worse nor better than private schools. Rather,
public schools are relatively more effective for students from
disadvantaged family backgrounds. Such a system of comparative
advantage is consistent with the coexistence of public and private
schools in most Chilean communes. |
Banco Central de Chile