Albany, NY August 15, 2025 When it comes to evaluating school performance, standardized test scores often dominate the conversation. But education leader and author Lonnie Palmer warns that direct comparisons can be misleading without understanding the context behind the numbers.
In his latest article, “Why Student Test Score Comparisons Often Miss the Full Picture,” Palmer explains that differences in funding, curriculum, teacher support, and socioeconomic conditions can make score-to-score comparisons deeply flawed.
“Test scores are not a level playing field,” Palmer says. “If we don’t account for the conditions students learn in, we risk drawing false conclusions about their abilities or the quality of their schools.”
The piece dives into how both domestic and international score comparisons are shaped by a range of external factors many of which have nothing to do with the individual student’s potential.
Key points from Palmer’s analysis:
- Funding disparities create unequal access to resources, technology, and smaller class sizes.
- Curriculum differences change what students are taught and tested on.
- Cultural variations impact how tests are approached and valued.
- International comparisons are often unreliable due to differing standards and expectations.
Palmer encourages educators, policymakers, and parents to take a more nuanced approach when using test scores to guide decisions.
📖 Read the full article here: https://lonniepalmer.com/2025/08/07/student-test-score-comparisons/
📚 Discover more in his book Politics of Education K-12: https://www.amazon.com/Politics-Education-K-12-Lonnie-Palmer/dp/B0DBGCGGNJ
About Lonnie Palmer
Lonnie Palmer is an education consultant, author, and speaker with decades of experience leading school districts and advising on policy. His work focuses on creating equitable, effective learning environments for all students.
