Achievement Gaps

Achievement gaps occur when one group of students (e.g., students grouped by race/ethnicity, gender) outperforms another group and the difference in average scores for the two groups is statistically significant (i.e., larger than the margin of error). NCES explored the achievement gaps between Black and White, and Hispanic and White, students using NAEP data to illuminate patterns and changes in these gaps over time, and identify factors that might underlie such gaps. These results are expected to be helpful to those interested in the improvement of education of our children.

Explore Achievement Gaps Data

Explore achievement gaps data using the Achievement Gaps Dashboard, the NAEP Data Explorer (NDE), and the State Profiles Tool. The Achievement Gaps Dashboard provides a quick glance at trends and significant differences in assessment scores between two groups of students, while the NDE provides in-depth exploration of gaps in other subjects and in context of student factors. You can also find out more about the achievement gaps in your state compared to others by using the State Profiles Tool.