Publication: Socioeconomic Status Gaps in Student Achievement in Balkan Countries: The Role of Parents and School Inputs
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Published
2025-10-31
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Date
2025-12-15
Author(s)
Bat-Ochir, Itgelt
Berisha, Shkelqim
Maezawa, Chisato
Toppeta, Alessandro
Yamashita, Yuko
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Abstract
This report analyzes the widening socioeconomic status (SES) gaps in student achievement across Balkan countries, drawing on PISA data from 2009 to 2022. The findings reveal that disparities in parental investment are strongly associated with learning inequalities, while increases in school resources alone do not significantly reduce SES-based achievement gaps. The analysis employs panel regression to explore the roles of parental and school-level factors. Policy recommendations emphasize investing in parental engagement programs, improving both the quality and quantity of school inputs, and conducting rigorous impact evaluations to inform evidence-based strategies for promoting educational equity in the region.
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“Avitabile, Ciro; Bat-Ochir, Itgelt; Berisha, Shkelqim; Maezawa, Chisato; Shmis, Tigran; Toppeta, Alessandro; Yamashita, Yuko. 2025. Socioeconomic Status Gaps in Student Achievement in Balkan Countries: The Role of Parents and School Inputs. Education Working Paper Series; No. 22. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/44076 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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