Revisiting why comparing NAEP gaps by low income status doesn’t work
This is a compilation of previous posts, in response to the egregious abuse of data presented on Page 3, here:http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/64717249:
Pundits love to make cross-state comparisons and rank states on a variety of indicators, something I’m guilty of it as well.[1] A favorite activity is comparing NAEP test scores across subjects, including comparing which states have the biggest test score gaps between children who qualify for subsidized lunch and children who don’t. The simple conclusion – States with big gaps are bad – inequitable – and states with smaller gaps must being doing something right!
It is generally assumed by those who report these gaps and rank states on achievement gaps that these gaps