Uncovering Intersectional Inequalities in Academic Growth: Applying MAIHDA to Student Growth Scores within School-Level Contexts

• In Event: Beyond the Grade: Advancing Equity through Assessment Reform and Analytic Innovation

Abstract

This study analyzes a large longitudinal dataset of student achievement results with student demographics, from 2015 to 2024. The analysis of intersections of student identities is part of a systemic look at the learning conditions and school/community characteristics related to supporting student achievement growth. We find that intersectionality accounts for approximately one-third of the variance in assessment results related to student demographics, with implications for supporting individual learners as well as for accountability systems and policy that currently use student demographics only independently of each other. This work brings a more nuanced understanding of learner identities and learning contexts to help identify practical approaches to improving support for learners most disadvantaged by the current school systems.

Authors

• Kent Seidel, University of Colorado - Denver

• Julie R. OBrian-Oxenford, University of Colorado - Denver