>This Research Brief, spotlighting interesting academic work, originally appeared at The Conversation. >**Racial and ethnic disparities in advanced math and science skills occur far earlier in the U.S. than previously known.** Our new study finds that 13% of white students and 16% of Asian students display advanced math skills by kindergarten. The contrasting percentage for both Black and Hispanic students is 4%. >These disparities then continue to occur throughout elementary school. By fifth grade, 13% of white students and 22% of Asian students display advanced math skills. About 2% of Black students and 3% of Hispanic students do so. Similar disparities occur in advanced science skills. >What explains these disparities? Factors that consistently explain these disparities include the family’s socioeconomic status – such as parental education and household income – and the student’s own understanding of math, science and reading during kindergarten. . . more [Source](https://www.yahoo.com/news/disparities-advanced-math-science-skills-144500369.html)