The ‘Other’ Gap

The performance of Asian-American students has been largely ignored in the national debate over raising student achievement. But experts say it’s high time for a closer look at a very diverse group.

Annandale, Va.

When his teacher asks for volunteers to solve a problem in an advanced mathematics class, Matt Kishiyama says it’s not unusual for a classmate to offer him up by remarking, “Let Matt do it, he’s Asian.”

Steve Kay makes light of being enrolled in Algebra 1 as a 10th grader, saying, “I’m not the smart Asian. I guess I got the dumb gene.”

Both boys are students at Annandale High School in suburban Washington, in what is regarded as one of the best public school systems in the country. Both are Asian-American. Both have parents who encourage them to do well. But their school experience and performance have...