Rotten Apples: An Investigation of the Prevalence and Predictors of Teacher Cheating / Brian A. Jacob, Steven D. Levitt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Jacob, Brian A.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Levitt, Steven D.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w9413.

NBER working paper series no. w9413

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Other Title:

Rotten Apples

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2003.

Summary:

We develop an algorithm for detecting teacher cheating that combines information on unexpected test score fluctuations and suspicious patterns of answers for students in a classroom. Using data from the Chicago Public Schools, we estimate that serious cases of teacher or administrator cheating on standardized tests occur in a minimum of 4-5 percent of elementary school classrooms annually. Moreover, the observed frequency of cheating appears to respond strongly to relatively minor changes in incentives. Our results highlight the fact that incentive systems, especially those with bright line rules, often induce behavioral distortions such as cheating. Statistical analysis, however, may provide a means of detecting illicit acts, despite the best attempts of perpetrators to keep them clandestine.

Notes:

Print version record

January 2003.