WHY DOES CULTURAL CAPITAL MATTER FOR HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE? An Empirical Assessment of Teacher‐Selection and Self‐Selection Mechanisms as Explanations of the Cultural Capital Effect

摘要: Many scholars have argued that students' cultural capital has a positive effect on academic performance because students with better relationships their teachers (the “teacher-selection” effect). However, theory also points to the importance of “self-selection” effect, whereby by enhancing expectations for future educational attainment. Using National Education Longitudinal Study data, I estimate structural equation models empirically assess extent which teachers' perceptions and act as mechanisms grades standardized test scores. The results show that, contrary theoretical expectations, do not mediate performance. account portions