INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND EDUCATION QUALITY: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF GOVERMENT TESTS RESULTS FOR PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN MEDELLIN CITY

Abstract

Studies on education quality have evolved in order to incorporate several variables and methodologies. This article also includes several variables of individuals and institutions, the social and political context as a determinant of students’ scientific achievement. Methodologically, the study considers a data mo­del (multilevel) with the purpose of, more precisely, measuring the factors which explain the academic progress. In this way, the main objective of this work is to carry out an evaluation of academic progress in Medellin municipality, Colombia. Results account for the importance of factors such as socioeconomic stratum, gender, kind of institution: public or private high school, access to internet, parents’ education level, policies supported by public agents, and some characteristics of the institution, among others, how to reach better results.