Van der Klaauw will investigate the effects of the lottery system used by secondary schools in Amsterdam to allocate limited spaces. Despite this system being based on recent scientific insights, there is dissatisfaction among students, parents, schools, and politicians regarding its outcomes. Van der Klaauw states, “The research stems from our long-term collaboration with the municipality of Amsterdam and Amsterdam schools in setting up and evaluating the annual lottery for secondary schools. The aim of the research is to thoroughly analyze the data to gain insights into the choices students make for secondary schools and the consequences thereof.”
Van der Klaauw’s research will focus on analyzing the long-term cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes of the current lottery system. By utilizing detailed institutional knowledge and rich administrative and survey data, he will map the trade-offs between welfare, (in)equality in learning outcomes, and diversity. These insights are crucial for improving lottery systems and promoting fairer and more effective educational opportunities for all students.
The awarding of the NWO Open Competition SSH grant to Van der Klaauw highlights the relevance and impact of his research within the Dutch educational system. The study will provide practical insights that can contribute to policy adjustments and improvements in the way school places are allocated. “The research will also shed light on the consequences of school choice. It will highlight the added value of a school and its suitability for different types of students. This is essential for balancing optimal learning gains and segregation,” explains Van der Klaauw.
About the NWO Open Competition – SSH
With the NWO Open Competition-SSH, NWO Social Sciences and Humanities wants to offer researchers the opportunity to carry out research into a subject of their own choosing without any thematic constraints. The funding instrument aims to serve a broader group of researchers in different stages of their academic careers.