A district compared standardized math scores at four schools that varied in two ways: per-student spending (low, low, high, high) and average teacher experience (5 yrs, 15 yrs, 5 yrs, 15 yrs). Scores: School J (low spend, 5 yrs), 62; School K (low spend, 15 yrs), 71; School L (high spend, 5 yrs), 64; School M (high spend, 15 yrs), 79. The researchers concluded that teacher experience matters more than per-student spending. The data point most uniquely supporting the experience-over-spending claim is ______
Which choice most logically completes the text using the data above?
- A
School M's highest score of 79.
- B
the comparison K vs. M: both 15 yrs experience, scores 71 and 79.
- Ccheck_circle
the comparison J vs. L: same low experience, varied spending—scores barely differ (62 vs. 64).
- D
the comparison J vs. M, showing both effects together.
Explanation
To argue experience matters more than spending, the strongest evidence holds experience constant and varies spending: if scores barely change, spending alone has little effect. Choice B does this (J vs. L: 62 vs. 64), showing that doubling spending without changing experience produces a tiny score change.