Improving the Performance of Public Schools: Evidence from Latin American Countries in PISA 2022

Abstract

The achievement gap between public and private schools can lead to inequality of opportunities for the most economically disadvantaged students. Nonetheless, students in some public schools achieve as high as students from private schools. Using PISA 2022 data, we investigate the determinants of high student performance in public schools in Latin America. Logit models applied at the regional level show how public schools that guarantee lower bullying, a higher sense of belonging, and growth mind-set increase the likelihood of their students being among the top-performing ones. Socioeconomic status remains a significant driver of a higher average student performance in public schools.