by Eddy V. Leal

Abstract

Even though there is a large literature concerning the effects of class size on
educational achievement, no previous research has formally examined the class size
reduction policy in Puerto Rico. The evidence in this paper suggests that class size does
not have a causal effect on student achievement in Puerto Rico. As a result, this paper
points to a failure of the policy that Puerto Rico’s government has invested heavily in for
the last few decades in order to improve the quality of public education. Policy makers in
Puerto Rico should seek alternatives in order to improve the quality of public education
and consider innovations such as incentive based reforms now prevalent in the United
States.

Professor Thomas Nechyba, Faculty Advisor

JEL Codes: O54,

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