1. Explaining Achievement Gaps: The Role of Socioeconomic Factors
- Author
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Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Eric Hengyu Hu, and Paul L. Morgan
- Abstract
Significant racial and ethnic achievement gaps exist between students in the U.S. by elementary school, although the underlying causes for these achievement gaps differ. One factor for racial/ethnic achievement gaps is between-group differences in socioeconomic status (SES), particularly exposure to poverty. Moreover, other factors contributing to racial and ethnic achievement gaps include bias, cultural insensitivity, stereotypes, and individual and systemic racism. This study examines the extent to which socioeconomic factors explain gaps in reading, mathematics, and science achievement among racial and ethnic groups of U.S. elementary students. Four macro- and eleven micro-level measures of family background are used to identify factors that best explain these achievement gaps, and analyses include descriptive statistics and regression models. Findings suggest that students' SES and home factors help to explain initially observed racial and ethnic achievement gaps. In many cases, the analyzed SES+ factors explain more than half of racial and ethnic achievement gaps. Closing these gaps requires a comprehensive approach, including improving school quality and supporting family stability. As essential steps toward equity, the authors recommend investments in early childhood education and income supplements, such as expanding child tax credits.
- Published
- 2024