Black – White Achievement Gap and Family Wealth

This article examines the extent to which family wealth affects the Black – White test score gap for young children based on data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (aged 3 – 12). This study found little evidence that wealth mediated the Black – White test scores gaps, which were eliminated when child and family demographic covariates were held constant. However, family wealth had a stronger association with cognitive achievement of school-aged children than that of preschoolers and a stronger association with school-aged children’s math than on their reading scores. Liquid assets, particularly holdings in stocks or mutual funds, were positively associated with school-aged children’s test scores. Family wealth was associated with a higher quality home environment, better parenting behavior, and children’s private school attendance.