Full Citation

Title: Reducing Inequality through Dynamic Complementarity: Evidence from Head Start and Public School Spending

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2019

ISBN:

ISSN: 1945-7731

DOI: 10.1257/pol.20180510

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: We compare the adult outcomes of cohorts who were differ entially exposed to policy-induced changes in Head Start and K–12 spending, depending on place and year of birth. IV and sibling-difference estimates indicate that, for poor children, these policies both increased educational attainment and earnings, and reduced pov- erty and incarceration. The benefits of Head Start were larger when followed by access to better-funded schools, and increases in K–12 spending were more efficacious when preceded by Head Start exposure. The findings suggest dynamic complementarities, implying that early educational investments that are sustained may break the cycle of poverty.

Url: https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pol.20180510

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Authors: Johnson, Rucker C.; Jackson, C. Kirabo

Periodical (Full): American Economic Journal: Economic Policy

Issue: 4

Volume: 11

Pages: 310-349

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Poverty and Welfare

Countries: