Achievement Gap Essay
Introduction
The achievement gap, which can also be viewed as an opportunity gap, explains the difference in achievement between minority and white students. Indictors of this gap are shown through scores on standardized test, grade point averages, college enrollment and degrees earned. Research shows that the achievement gap can be seen before children even reach kindergarten. However, it is important to recognize and understand the factors that impact the achievement gap, and the dimensions. Also, that those dimensions then influence academic disparities (Boykin & Noguera, 2011).
Social Factors
Traditionally, teachers did not view teaching as just an occupation, but a mission. Teachers showed extreme interest in children’s character and …show more content…
Changes in political parties, and elected officials have a negative affect on what students are being taught because it is too many changes. Every couple of years, there are major shifts in the required curriculum and standards, which makes teaching inconsistent and difficult. Some teachers cannot keep up or do not agree with the changes, which negatively affects children’s classroom experience. All of the changes in curriculums and standards contribute to the achievement gap because schools are not being consistent, and the changes happen so often that as soon as children finally understand a concept or method, there is an instant change (Spring, …show more content…
This gap can be seen in different contexts such as grades and test scores, and is seen starting from preschool all the way to college. The dimensions of the achievement gap include opportunities that not all children have access to such as school funding, class sizes, teacher quality, healthcare, food, recreational activities, summer enrichment programs and shelter. Some people in the education field and government think that these factors are uncontrollable. But, when looking at the achievement gap those factors are overlooked, and replaced the idea that children of color are inferior, or it is their culture that allows them to fail (Boykin & Noguera, 2011; Wilson
The achievement gap, which can also be viewed as an opportunity gap, explains the difference in achievement between minority and white students. Indictors of this gap are shown through scores on standardized test, grade point averages, college enrollment and degrees earned. Research shows that the achievement gap can be seen before children even reach kindergarten. However, it is important to recognize and understand the factors that impact the achievement gap, and the dimensions. Also, that those dimensions then influence academic disparities (Boykin & Noguera, 2011).
Social Factors
Traditionally, teachers did not view teaching as just an occupation, but a mission. Teachers showed extreme interest in children’s character and …show more content…
Changes in political parties, and elected officials have a negative affect on what students are being taught because it is too many changes. Every couple of years, there are major shifts in the required curriculum and standards, which makes teaching inconsistent and difficult. Some teachers cannot keep up or do not agree with the changes, which negatively affects children’s classroom experience. All of the changes in curriculums and standards contribute to the achievement gap because schools are not being consistent, and the changes happen so often that as soon as children finally understand a concept or method, there is an instant change (Spring, …show more content…
This gap can be seen in different contexts such as grades and test scores, and is seen starting from preschool all the way to college. The dimensions of the achievement gap include opportunities that not all children have access to such as school funding, class sizes, teacher quality, healthcare, food, recreational activities, summer enrichment programs and shelter. Some people in the education field and government think that these factors are uncontrollable. But, when looking at the achievement gap those factors are overlooked, and replaced the idea that children of color are inferior, or it is their culture that allows them to fail (Boykin & Noguera, 2011; Wilson