Science Achievement Gaps Begin Very Early, Persist, and Are Largely Explained by Modifiable Factors

The study tracked 7,757 children from the start of kindergarten to the end of eighth grade, providing a rare glimpse into the state of science knowledge of America’s youngest students. When children start kindergarten, sizable gaps in science knowledge already exist between whites and minorities — as well as between youngsters from upper-income and low-income families. And those disparities often deepen into significant achievement gaps by the end of eighth grade if they aren’t addressed during elementary school. The findings suggest that, in order for the United States to maintain long-term scientific and economic competitiveness in the world, policymakers need to renew efforts to ensure access to high-quality, early learning experiences in childcare settings, pre-schools, and elementary schools. Waiting to address science achievement gaps in middle or high school may be too late.