Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Advanced Science and Mathematics Achievement During Elementary School

• In Event: The Ecology and Development of STEM Learning: Factors Influencing STEM Learning Across the Life Span

Abstract

We analyzed a population-based cohort (N=10,922) to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in advanced (i.e., above 90th percentile) levels of science and math achievement during elementary school as well as factors that explained these disparities. About 13%-15% of White students versus 3%-4% of Black or Hispanic students displayed advanced science or math achievement during kindergarten. Family socio-economic status and student science, math, and reading achievement by kindergarten consistently explained whether students displayed advanced science or math achievement during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade. These and additional factors substantially or fully explained initially observed disparities between Black or Hispanic and White students in advanced science or math achievement during elementary school.

Authors

• Paul L. Morgan, University at Albany - SUNY

• Eric Hengyu Hu, University at Albany - SUNY

• George Farkas, University of California - Irvine

• Marianne Hillemeier, Pennsylvania State University

• Yoonkyung Oh, University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston

• Cecelia A. Gloski, Pennsylvania State University