Who Takes AP Economics?

35 Pages Posted: 15 Jul 2012

See all articles by Benjamin P. Scafidi

Benjamin P. Scafidi

Georgia College & State University; Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business

Christopher Clark

Georgia College & State University

John R. Swinton

Georgia College & State University

Date Written: June 29, 2012

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of who takes Advanced Placement (AP) Economics. Using two years of administrative data on all high school students who take a course to satisfy Georgia’s graduation requirement in economics, we find large differences in enrollment in AP Economics across groups. Specifically, African-American and Hispanic students and students from low-income backgrounds are about half as likely to be enrolled in AP Economics as other students. However, once we control for prior academic achievement in Geometry, African-American and Hispanic students are overrepresented relative to whites and the difference between low income and other students is reduced significantly. Female students are overrepresented relative to males, and Asian students are overrepresented relative to whites — this latter effect is large. African-American, Hispanic, and especially Asian students are more likely to attend high schools that offer AP Economics. Students living outside of metropolitan Atlanta and students in smaller schools have much less access to AP Economics.

Keywords: AP Economics, Access

JEL Classification: A13, A21, I24

Suggested Citation

Scafidi, Benjamin P. and Clark, Christopher and Swinton, John R., Who Takes AP Economics? (June 29, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2107944 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2107944

Benjamin P. Scafidi (Contact Author)

Georgia College & State University ( email )

CBX 14
Milledgeville, GA 31061
United States
478-445-2578 (Phone)

Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business ( email )

1000 Chastain Road
Kennesaw, GA 30144
United States

Christopher Clark

Georgia College & State University ( email )

Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490
United States
478-445-2588 (Phone)

John R. Swinton

Georgia College & State University ( email )

Milledgeville, GA 31061-0490
United States
478-445-2591 (Phone)

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