The Effect of Shadow Education Vouchers after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Evidence from regression discontinuity design

Shadow education vouchers, which beneficiaries flexibly use for any pre-registered institutions such as cram schools and one-to-one tutoring, might be an effective method to support disadvantaged children. In this paper, we estimate empirically the effects of shadow education vouchers provided in the area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake on mainly cognitive skills by utilizing regression discontinuity design. Our results show a positive impact on academic achievements and study hours during holidays. In addition, the impact is much larger for children living in poverty.