A 2022 study tested whether a universal pre-K policy improved kindergarten readiness. They reported readiness-score changes (over 5 years) in four states adopting pre-K, alongside changes in matched non-policy states: State 1, +5.4 (vs. +1.0); 2, +1.5 (vs. +1.4); 3, +6.0 (vs. +1.2); 4, +1.8 (vs. +1.6). The researchers concluded the policy was effective only in States 1 and 3. The strongest support is ______
Which choice most logically completes the text using the data above?
- A
the average gain across states.
- B
State 3's largest gain of 6.0 points.
- Ccheck_circle
the contrast: States 1 and 3 outpaced their controls by 4.4 and 4.8 points, while States 2 and 4 had gains nearly matching their controls.
- D
State 4's gain of 1.8 points.
Explanation
"Effective only in States 1 and 3" requires comparing each policy state to its matched control. Choice B does this for all four pairs and identifies the two with substantial excess gains.