standardized test – n. a test that is administered and rated in a predictable, or “standard,” way
gray matter – n. neural tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve-cell bodies and has a brownish-gray color
temporal lobe – n. a large lobe of each cerebral hemisphere in the brain
pediatrics – n. a area of medicine that deals with the development, care, and diseases of babies and children
adolescence – n. the period when a child develops into an adult
status – n. of, relating to, or involving one’s social standing or other influences
stimulate – v. to cause (something) to happen or develop
achievement gap – n. the difference between the test scores of low-income students and those of middle class or wealthier students.