title: Taking the Easy Way Out: How the GED Testing Program Induces Students to Drop Out.
abstract: The option to obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate changes the incentives facing high school students. This paper evaluates the effect of three different GED policy innovations on high school graduation rates. A six point decrease in the GED pass rate due to an increase in passing standards produced a 1.3 point decline in overall dropout rates. The introduction of a GED certification program in high schools in Oregon produced a four percent decrease in graduation rates. Introduction of GED certificates in California increased dropout rates by 3 points. The GED program induces high school students to drop out.
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, University of Chicago, 1126 E. 59th Street, Chicago IL 60637. Tel: 773-702-0634; fax: 773-702-8490.
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Heckman
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, University of Chicago, 1126 E. 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637. Tel: (773) 980-6575.
authors.forename: John Eric
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Humphries
authors.affiliation: American Bar Foundation, 750 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611.
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Lafontaine
authors.affiliation: Centro Internacional de Energa y Ambiente Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administracin, Av. IESA, Edif. IESA, San Bernardino, Caracas 1010, Venezuela.
authors.forename: Pedro L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
keywords: GED; high school dropouts