June 1, 2016
About 21,500 eighth grade students from over 800 public and private schools participated in a technology and engineering test administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The results highlighted a persistent educational gap between students in wealthier communities and suburban areas, who did better than those from poorer communities and cities. The test also showed that:
- For the first time, girls on average scored better than their male peers.
- Students who participate in activities outside of school focused on design and systems, such as a robotics club, or tinker with design concepts on their own scored higher than those who did not.
- In-school learning related to technology and societal issues was associated with higher scores.
- Students who believed they had the abilities to do various technology- and engineer-related tasks did better than students who did not.
