Academic performance determinants in Colombia: the ICFES tests

Abstract

This work uses the results from the mathematics and language areas achieved by students in the 2009 second semester ICFES Saber 11° test to identify the academic performance determinants in Colombia.  The Generalized Ordered Logit model is used. The results shows the relevance of socio-economical variables have in performance on both areas. In particular income and scholarly levels of parents have a significant positive impact in the test results. Daily school time had a significant impact on the results: students studying full-time have higher scores. This results should be considered in the establishment of new education coverage policies based on reducing the time of students in school rather than creating new institutions.