This research explores the effect of orientation advice (OA), which is an instrument aimed at supporting pupils during their first transition from middle to high school. We investigate whether being ‘ambitious’ (i.e. rejecting OA and choosing a more challenging track) influences grade 9 retention probability. Data from 28 schools from Piacenza (Italy) are combined with those of the Italian National Evaluation Committee for Education (INVALSI). Employing the propensity score matching method, we find that being ‘ambitious’ increases the probability of grade 9 retention by 10–15%. Moreover, making an ambitious choice is riskier for males, non-Italian and socioeconomically advantaged students.
Would you follow the advice? The effect of school guidance on students’ academic success
Agasisti, Tommaso;Bolzoni, Filippo;Soncin, Mara
2023-01-01
Abstract
This research explores the effect of orientation advice (OA), which is an instrument aimed at supporting pupils during their first transition from middle to high school. We investigate whether being ‘ambitious’ (i.e. rejecting OA and choosing a more challenging track) influences grade 9 retention probability. Data from 28 schools from Piacenza (Italy) are combined with those of the Italian National Evaluation Committee for Education (INVALSI). Employing the propensity score matching method, we find that being ‘ambitious’ increases the probability of grade 9 retention by 10–15%. Moreover, making an ambitious choice is riskier for males, non-Italian and socioeconomically advantaged students.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.