Course Goals

This course provides an introduction to the economics of education and child development, with an emphasis on microeconomic theory and empirical methods. focusing on the application of microeconomic theory and empirical methods. Core topics include human capital theory, returns to education, the technology of skill formation, the role of early interventions, the education production function, and an evaluation of selected education policies. The course also introduces key econometric techniques for identifying causal effects, with particular emphasis on instrumental variable estimation.

• Apply theoretical frameworks to analyze issues in education and child development.
• Interpret econometric models, assess causal relationships, and evaluate empirical studies for methodological rigor and relevance.
• Develop evidence-based critiques and recommendations for educational policies.
• Read and understand academic articles, identify key findings, and contextualize their relevance.

• Human capital theory and its implications for education and labor markets.
• Returns to education
• Intergenerational correlation in education and the technology of skill formation.
• Early interventions and their long-term economic effects.
• The education production function and factors influencing educational outcomes.
• Education production function and the impact of educational policies
• Econometric methods for causal inference, particularly instrumental variable estimation, and their applications in education research.
• Insight into case studies such as the Tennessee STAR experiment (class size effects), the impact of early childhood programs such as Head Start, and the role of compulsory schooling laws.