New NAEP Science Scores Reveal Significant Achievement Gaps
New data on fourth-, eighth- and 12th-graders’ proficiency in science from the National Assessment Governing Board (NABG) reveals significant gaps at every level between White and minority students, as well as gaps among urban students and rural and suburban students.
The board’s National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) found that only 60 percent of students in their last year of high school scored at or above the basic level in science and showed stark achievement gaps:
- Black fourth-graders and eighth-graders scored on average 36 points lower than their White counterparts and Black 12th-graders scored on average 34 points lower than their White counterparts;
- Hispanic fourth-graders scored on average 32 points lower than their White counterparts. The gap decreases to 30 points in eighth grade and to 25 points in 12th grade; and
- Students in urban schools averaged 8-13 points lower than their rural and suburban peers.
NABG called for schools to increase hands-on learning and to hire high-quality science teachers to close the gaps in science proficiency. The board also recommended that schools ensure that after-school programs have a science focus.
The NAEP scores comes as President Obama calls for broad reforms in education and the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – the nation’s primary federal education law – which was last reauthorized in 2002 as No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The Leadership Conference has long supported the goals of ESEA and has urged Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the law, while maintaining accountability for all students and doing more to help raise standards, improve schools, and support teachers.