Economic development in Latin America has trailed most other world regions over the past four decades despite its relatively high initial development and school attainment levels. This puzzle can be resolved by considering the actual learning as expressed in tests of cognitive skills, on which Latin American countries consistently perform at the…

Author concerned himself with the generalizability of Jencks' conclusions to educational policy problems in developing areas. (Author/RK)

While it is well known that schools teach values and attitudes as well as specific skills, more research is needed to understand how education is related to economic development. What is known suggests that primary education is particularly important and that education leads to better health and lowered fertility. (IS)

A number of studies are reviewed in an attempt to identify those schooling inputs that affect schooling outcomes, specifically cognitive achievement of students, in developing countries. Part 1 of the paper outlines the nature of the major tool of analysis, the educational production function (EPF), and the problems associated with its use as a…