The landscape of test performance

The NY Times Economix blog explored the spatial distribution of SAT scores and tried to explain why it doesn't really mean that Midwesterners are actually smarter than the rest of the US. (h/t The Map Room) The analysis digs in to show why your first read of these maps might not mean what you think it does. Among other points, she says that only 3% of graduating seniors in South Dakota take the test while 85% take it in NY.

(Sigh) First the Times goes after the valedictorians from Iowa and Illinois, and now the Iraqi detainees are harassing Packers fans. Its a good thing the Plains states have lots to cheer for.