Achievement gaps occur when one group of students outperforms another group and the difference in average scores for the two groups is statistically significant (that is, larger than the margin of error). The NAEP reports on the Hispanic-White achievement gap and the Black-White achievement gap use NAEP scores in mathematics and reading for these groups to illuminate patterns and changes in these gaps over time.  

Resources for Exploring Achievement Gaps

• Read a brief description of how gaps can change over time to help you understand the gap analyses presented in the reports.
• Read frequently asked questions for each of the achievement gap reports:
  • Hispanic-White report FAQs  
  • Black-White report FAQs
• Explore the achievement gaps in other subjects and in the context of many different student factors, including race/ethnicity, courses taken, school location, and more with the NAEP Data Explorer.
• Find out more about the achievement gaps in your state compared to others with the NAEP State Comparisons tool.
• Read a statement from Jack Buckley, Commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, and view a PowerPoint presentation about the findings of the Hispanic-White Achievement Gaps report.
• Read the press release about the results of the Hispanic-White Achievement Gaps report.