MSA Achievement Gap Analysis:

Comparing the performance of White students and African American students

September 22, 2010

In recent years, we have cut the achievement gap between white and black students in elementary
math and reading in half.

53.83 percent reduction in math

51.80 percent reduction in reading

In recent years, we have made substantial progress in reducing the achievement gap between white
and black students in middle school math and reading.

24.57 percent reduction in math

44.11 percent reduction in reading

Note: These two points are based on MSA scores since we began testing in 2003.

Since 2007, we have cut the achievement gap between white and black students in elementary school
math and reading by more than a quarter.

26.03 percent reduction in math

27.19 percent reduction in reading

Since 2007, we have made substantial progress in reducing the achievement gap between white and
black students in middle school math and reading.

17.24 percent reduction in math

35.94 percent reduction in reading

Elementary Gap*
(3-5) Math Reading
2010 44.6 41.5
2007 60.3 57.0
2003 96.6 86.1

Middle Gap
(6-8) Math Reading
2010 83.5 50.8
2007 100.9 79.3
2003 110.7 90.9

All Gap
(3-8) Math Reading
2010 128.1 92.3
2007 161.2 136.3
2003 207.3 177.0

*The “gap” is a cumulative raw number calculation of the difference in the percentage of students scoring
proficient or better on MSAs at the specified grade levels in reading and math.