Understanding Disparities: Examining Demographic, socioeconomic, and
Linguistic Impacts on U
Abstract
This study analyzes PISA 2018 data to assess academic outcomes for
15-year-old U.S. students in reading, math, and science, focusing on
variables like gender, ethnicity, home language, and parental education.
Results highlight parental socioeconomic factors as key to academic
disparities. Contrary to prior research, school location had minimal
impact. Gender, language, and ethnicity were significant; girls excelled
in reading, boys in math and science, while Spanish-speaking and Black
students underperformed. The study advocates for targeted resources in
disadvantaged areas and broad settings that include parental engagement
and language support to promote equal academic opportunities.