Examining the Black-White achievement gap among low-income children using the NICHD study of early child care and youth development

Abstract

The Black-White achievement gap in children's reading and mathematics school performance from 41/2years of age through fifth grade was examined in a sample of 314 lower income American youth followed from birth. Differences in family, child care, and schooling experiences largely explained Black-White differences in achievement, and instructional quality was a stronger predictor for Black than White children. In addition, the achievement gap was detected as young as 3years of age. Taken together, the findings suggest that reducing the Black-White achievement gap may require early intervention to reduce race gaps in home and school experiences during the infant and toddler years as well as during the preschool and school years. © 2011 The Authors. Child Development © 2011 Society for Research in Child Development, Inc.