> the fact that paying huge money for tutoring only results in minor score improvements This might be true in aggregate, but I’ve seen data that says otherwise

> the fact that paying huge money for tutoring only results in minor score improvements This might be true in aggregate, but I’ve seen data that says otherwise (buddy owns a test prep school). The keys are that the student wants the test prep and that the student has room to grow (i.e., not already near the top, where increases are capped). Middle of the pack students can gain 50-150 points per skill (this is a lot). > the implications that poor Asian immigrants were able to outscore other demographics regardless of income, which goes against modern academia's favored nurture over nature mindset Is this implying that Asian immigrants do better because of genetics (nature)? The non-agenda-based research on this topic is pretty clear that Asian immigrant success is mostly about a culture of schooling and learning in Asian communities. This includes things like tutoring, “cram schools”, and test prep. Here is an example of research/views from outside the US: https://www.otago.ac.nz/deepsouth/vol2no1/setsuo.html https://www.otago.ac.nz/deepsouth/vol2no1/setsuo.html Almost all academic success is built on a culture of learning of some sort (e.g., parental involvement in schooling, reading to kids, etc.). Note that this is true regardless of race. The higher quality (non-agenda-based) research in this area all focuses on how this culture of learning can be fostered, with special focus on low SES (low socio-economic status) families regardless of race. > destroys the basis for trillions in social programs > Standardized tests effectively threaten the entire house of cards Programs like Head Start in the US have measurable positive impact: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-long-term-impact-of-the-head-start-program/ https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-long-term-impact-of-t... Fwiw, I actually agree that a lot of research in education is non-replicable, agenda-based bullshit, but your comments here go against both the better research and fairly substantial anecdotal evidence (my buddy’s test prep program).