Abstract

SANCHEZ-MARTINEZ, José Manuel; RODRIGUEZ-RIVERA, Angela Patricia  and  CAMACHO-MURILLO, Andres. THE STORY WITH AN END: THE ROLE OF READING FOR LEISURE IN THE REDUCTION OF ASYMMETRIES IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE. Rev.econ.inst. [online]. 2025, vol.27, n.53, pp.253-274.  Epub Aug 11, 2025. ISSN 0124-5996.  https://doi.org/10.18601/01245996.v27n53.10.

This study examines the impact of reading habits on student performance in Colombia. Using micro-level data from the Saber 11 test and linear regressions, the results show that access to books at home and reading two or more hours daily are positively associated with higher scores. Public school students generally score lower than private school peers, though those who read extensively can outperform them. However, neither books nor reading time fully closes the urban-rural gap.

Keywords : Saber 11 test; academic performance; reading for entertainment; books of entertainment.

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