Quantifying the Benefits of Digitalizing and Centralizing Student Applications and Assignment to Schools

Abstract

This technical note examines the cost-efficiency and broader benefits of implementing centralized digital student assignment systems, using Chile as a case study. The authors estimate that the reform yields over USD 13 million in net benefits by reducing implementation and search costs, improving administrative efficiency, and enabling better school-student matching. Additional advantages include enhanced transparency, better planning tools for governments, and improved satisfaction among families. These findings provide empirical support for scaling centralized systems across Latin America.

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Article
  • Coauthors: Antonia Aguilera, Gregory Elacqua, Josefina Lavin, Juan Margitic, Christopher A. Neilson
  • Published: IDB Technical Note (Number IDB-TN-02571)
  • Date: 2022
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