Many U.S. school districts report a significant and persistent gap in teacher evaluation ratings between Black and white educators.

In a new study of Chicago Public Schools data, researchers Matthew Steinberg (George Mason University) and Lauren Sartain (UNC Chapel Hill) set out to understand the scope of that gap and the factors – including school and classroom contexts – that lead to it.

Steinberg joins CPRE Knowledge Hub managing editor Keith Heumiller to discuss their findings, and some important implications for policymakers, school leaders, educators and other stakeholders across the country.

Steinberg, M. P., & Sartain, L. (2021). “What Explains the Race Gap in Teacher Performance Ratings? Evidence From Chicago Public Schools.” Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 43(1), 60–82.