Can Social Recognition for Teachers and Principals Improve Student Performance? Evidence from India

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Can Social Recognition for Teachers and Principals Improve Student Performance? Evidence from India
Language: English
Authors: Arora, Puneet, Fazlul, Ishtiaque, Musaddiq, Tareena (ORCID 0000-0002-7004-8961), Vats, Abhinav
Source: Grantee Submission. 2022.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2022
Sponsoring Agency: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Contract Number: R305B170015
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Teacher Evaluation, Principals, Administrator Evaluation, Performance Based Assessment, Incentives, Foreign Countries, Academic Achievement, Scores, Standardized Tests, Recognition (Achievement), Rewards
Geographic Terms: India
DOI: 10.1080/13504851.2022.2099799
Abstract: Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of performance-based rewards for teachers is primarily based on the evaluation of monetary reward schemes. We present results from a randomized evaluation of a teacher and principal incentive programme in India that offered a non-pecuniary recognition reward based on students' test scores on standardized assessments. We find a positive (0.16 SD) yet statistically insignificant effect on student performance when both teachers and principals are incentivized. In schools where only teachers are incentivized, the estimates remain statistically insignificant but are also much smaller in magnitude (0.012 SD). Our findings provide suggestive evidence that recognition rewards may have the potential as a low-cost tool to improve student achievement when both teachers and principals are incentivized. However, further research is required to substantiate the findings and investigate the mechanisms at play. [This is the online version of an article published in "Applied Economic Letters."]
Abstractor: As Provided
IES Funded: Yes
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: ED622747
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Empirical evidence on the effectiveness of performance-based rewards for teachers is primarily based on the evaluation of monetary reward schemes. We present results from a randomized evaluation of a teacher and principal incentive programme in India that offered a non-pecuniary recognition reward based on students' test scores on standardized assessments. We find a positive (0.16 SD) yet statistically insignificant effect on student performance when both teachers and principals are incentivized. In schools where only teachers are incentivized, the estimates remain statistically insignificant but are also much smaller in magnitude (0.012 SD). Our findings provide suggestive evidence that recognition rewards may have the potential as a low-cost tool to improve student achievement when both teachers and principals are incentivized. However, further research is required to substantiate the findings and investigate the mechanisms at play. [This is the online version of an article published in "Applied Economic Letters."]
DOI:10.1080/13504851.2022.2099799