CT’s Stubborn Achievement Gap: Comparing Gaps Over Time, Across America


We’ve taken a look at the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) (the only test of academic achievement that is administered to all states across America) over time. When you look at the map, we have used eligibility for the national school lunch program as a proxy for coming from a low-income background, and then we’ve identified gaps in 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math. Since 2003, while other states have made progress and seen change, Connecticut’s achievement gap has remained wide and intransigent–among the worst in America.

Poverty Achievement Gaps Over Time

Mathematics and Low Income

Has the Gap in 4th Grade Math Changed Over the Years?

This map displays gaps in Math performance between low-income students and their peers at the 4th grade level. (NAEP State Comparisons) You can compare these gaps across states over time. The darker the color, the larger the gap. While the size of the gap varies a little bit from year-to-year in Connecticut, the gap consistently remains one of the worst in the country.

Mathematics and Low Income

Has the Gap in 8th Grade Math Changed Over the Years

This map displays gaps in Math performance between low-income students and their peers at the 8th grade level. (NAEP State Comparisons) You can compare these gaps across states over time. The darker the color, the larger the gap. While the size of the gap varies a little bit from year-to-year in Connecticut, the gap consistently remains one of the worst in the country.

Reading and Low Income

Has the Gap in 4th Grade Reading Changed Over the Years?

This map displays gaps in Reading performance between low-income students and their peers at the 4th grade level. (NAEP State Comparisons) You can compare these gaps across states over time. The darker the color, the larger the gap. While Connecticut has made some gains in reducing the size of the gap, it remains among the worst in the country.

Reading and Low Income

Has the Gap in 8th Grade Reading Changed Over the Years?

This map displays gaps in reading performance between low-income students and their peers at the 8th grade level. (NAEP State Comparisons) You can compare these gaps across states over time. The darker the color, the larger the gap. While Connecticut has made some gains in reducing the size of the gap, it remains among the worst in the country.