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.

How Gaps Change Over TimeRead a brief description of how gaps can change over time to help you understand the gap analyses presented in the reports.Learn More

Achievement for both Black and White students was lower in the highest Black student density schools than in the lowest density schools. Since the earliest comparison year, the White–Hispanic gap narrowed in both reading and mathematics.

Student is writing on a piece of notebook paper. Student studying on a computer and a book.

Black-White Gaps Report Black-White Gaps Data Black-White Gaps FAQs Hispanic-White Gaps Report Hispanic-White Gaps Press Release Hispanic-White Gaps FAQs

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.

Achievement Gaps Dashboard NAEP Data Explorer State Profile Data Tool

The Black-White achievement gap in NAEP scale scores for mathematics at grade 4 was six points less in 2019 than in 1990.

EXPLORE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAPS DASHBOARD

Achievement Gaps Publications

Growing Disparities Between the Nation’s Highest and Lowest Achievers in NAEP Mathematics and ReadingREAD MORE

2015 School Composition and the Black-White Achievement GapREAD MORE

Thumbnail image showing achievement gap between Black and White student groups.

School Composition and the Black-White Achievement Gap: Methodology CompanionRead MoreClick to open pdf.

Thumbnail image of graph showing White and Hispanic achievement gap.

2011 Achievement Gaps: Hispanic-WhiteREAD MORE