Figure 1 tells the story for white students.

Figure 1

The story here isn’t as dramatic as it is for the fourth grade reading results, but there still is no question that Florida’s eighth grade math performance for its white students in public schools has improved compared to other states. Back in 1992, Florida’s white students in public schools were outscored by white students in 18 states but by 2022 that was cut to only 11 state’s scoring statistically significantly higher.

The situation for Florida’s Black eighth grade students is even clearer.

Figure 2

Black students in no other state scored statistically significantly lower and three scored statistically significantly higher than Florida’s Blacks in 1992. By 2022 that had flip-flopped to where Black students in no other state scored statistically significantly higher than Florida’s Black students and three states had significantly lower scores.

So, again, real world evidence from the NAEP shows those blanket forecasts of doom and gloom for traditional public schools in a school choice rich environment just don’t pan out. It’s time to ignore the enemies of school choice and to start giving Kentucky’s children the same benefits and advantages that students in more progressive states like Florida already enjoy. We only hurt ourselves the longer we delay.

Tech Note: All maps assembled with the NAEP Data Explorer.