National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
There were no significant changes in the differences in math and reading for white and Hispanic fourth and eighth graders between 2007 and 2009, according to new figures released by the National Assessment of Education Progress.
Specifically, the new report looks at how achievement gaps between Caucasians and Hispanics have changed over time by analyzing NAEP math and reading exam results from 1990 to 2009.
Between 2007 and 2009, math and reading scores improved for both white and Hispanic students, with the gap between the two groups remaining at about 20 points in math based on the 500-point based NAEP scoring scale.
Several states had smaller-than-average achievement gaps in both subjects—among those states were Florida, Wyoming, Missouri and Kentucky. On the other hand, two states – California and Connecticut – had a larger than the national average achievement gap for both fourth grade math and reading.
From 2007 to 2009, scores for White and Hispanic fourth graders remained unchanged, and, in turn, the gap remained unchanged as well.
With eighth grade reading in 2009, seven states had a smaller-than-average national achievement gap and no states had a larger gap than in previous years.
The study notes that a number of other variables, not researched in this study, could have played a significant role in explaining the Hispanic-White achievement gap with NAEP scores. The study goes on to say that the results are most effective and useful when used in combination with other information about the student population at the school, and with trends in the education system.
For the full report click here
