Effects of temperature shocks during early childhood on school performance: the case of Peru

Abstract

Purpose: To estimate the effect of temperature shocks during gestation and early childhood (up to 5 years old) on academic performance of second elementary grade students in Peru.

Methodology:  Weather data from the Climatic Research Unit were combined with second grade math and communications test scores to estimate multivariate regressions, controlling for the effects of year and birth district.

Results: Temperature shocks have asymmetric effects on school performance. Heat shocks increase students´ scores in cold regions but reduce them in warm regions. Cold shocks negatively affect school performance in cold regions and have no statistically significant effects in warm regions. These effects were observed in both urban and rural areas. Temperature shocks tend to have a stronger effect among girls than boys.

Implications: Education policymakers must put implement mechanisms to support students affected by temperature shocks during early childhood, and their families.

Originality: Exposure to temperature shocks during gestation and early childhood have long-lasting effects.