How is the money being spent? You phrase it like the budget is straight to each kid for learning. How much do red state schools spend on kids with different needs, the support and infrastructure for that, or even just extra programs? Is the money spent adjusted for cost of living in each state? Your examples seem cherry picked which you are claiming applies to all states. One example has a difference of one number. Also taking the NAEP is voluntary so not all schools participate, you also didn't cite the results for civics and US history.