Comparing the Seasonal Dynamics of Test Score Gaps Across Two ECLS-K Cohorts: Are We Trending Toward More, or Less, Inequality Over the School Year and Summer?

• In Event: Excellence in Education Research: Early-Career Scholars and Their Work

Abstract

Scholars have argued that schools are “equalizers” because test score gaps grow faster over summer vacation than over the school year. In this study, we use nationally-representative data from the ECLS-K:1999 and ECLS-K:2011 to examine the extent to which such patterns have changed over time. Results suggest that more equalizing occurred over kindergarten in recent years compared to the past; however, this was often followed by more gap-widening over summer and more widening (or less narrowing) over first grade. This trend is most robust for math gaps and gaps by SES. The net result is that in recent years, gaps tended to widen more (Black-White), or narrow less (SES and Hispanic-White), from kindergarten entry to the end of first grade.

Author

• David Quinn, University of Southern California