The Long Shadow: The Health Effects of Lost In-School Instruction Across the Life Cycle

Abstract:

This study examines the long-term health consequences of reduced instructional time during compulsory schooling. I exploit a German reform of the school year schedule from the 1960s, which substantially shortened the length of two school years without adjusting the core curriculum. As a result, learning shifted out of the classroom, primarily through increased homework. Applying a difference-in-differences design to biographical administrative records, I estimate the impact of this policy on severe health issues, as measured by the number of long-term sick leave taken throughout individuals‘ careers. The results reveal a significant increase in long-term sick leave taking, suggesting that educational disruptions can have lasting effects on adult health.