The Impact of Racial and Ethnic Segregation on the Achievement Gap in California High Schools

Abstract

This study examines the extent and impact of racial and ethnic segregation in California high schools during the 1988–1989 school year. We find that racial and ethnic segregation is widespread in California and that the extent of segregation varies widely among ethnic groups and among the six largest school districts. We also find significant differences in achievement levels across school districts and across schools within school districts, even after adjusting for differences in the background characteristics of students. The analysis suggests that segregation can, but does not always, lead to achievement differences across schools and among ethnic groups.