Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/316770 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 17815
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Many studies have documented that a phonics approach is an essential component in the teaching of reading for beginning readers, especially for students at risk of reading disabilities. We study whether phonics approaches, as indicated by the choice of basal readers (materials for the initial teaching of reading) in Grade 1, have long-term effects on adult education levels and labour market outcomes 23 years later. The study shows evidence of a causal link between the choice of basal reader in primary school and school results at the end of lower secondary school as well as labour market outcomes at age 30. Choosing a basal reader that is easily compatible with a phonics approach is a highly cost-effective policy choice.
Subjects: 
long-term outcomes
basal reader
reading
JEL: 
H52
I28
I38
J13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.