Achievement Gap In Education

In American schools the level of achievement between private and inner city public schools varies greatly. The achievement gap in education refers to the disparity in academic performance between students of different socioeconomic make up. An average of a 22% difference between white and black students exists on the achievement gap scale. The no child left behind act passed in 2001 aimed to reform schooling. It hoped to close the achievement gap. However, as we see today it did not entirely work because a large gap in achievement between the socioeconomic classes still exists. Students in public inner city schools do not meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, and the government. In international standardized tests the United
With poor schools, it causes a challenge for kids to leave their poor neighborhoods, and with poorer, struggling neighborhoods usually comes crime. To seek a change, the community must come together as one and stand up for better education. McDowell, West Virginia exemplifies a community working for a change. In McDowell, a legislature passed an “innovation zone” a bill that allows the county to participate in a teacher-in-residence program with a local university, allowing promising young talent to enter the teaching workforce. Ultimately, this develops teachers for full time teaching jobs. The community has also set up a breakfast and lunch program for their kids, and currently setting up a dinner program as well. Cincinnati once had the worst school buildings in the country. One way to solve this problem was to have the community pay for the renovations need. In return, the school buildings also serve as a community center, staying open late on weeknights, and open on weekends. Having the schools also serve as community centers, allows schools to renovate while helping the community save money by just using the same building. Family and community involvements form partnerships among schools, family and community groups, and individuals. these partnerships result in sharing and maximizing resources. Families need encouragement to participate in all aspects of their child's education. Public schools must develop
Milwaukee, along with a multitude of other cities, has a struggling public school system that lacks resources it needs to help students reach their full potential. Lacking trained teachers, supplies, and rundown buildings results in the school to prison pipeline. Surrounding communities can play a big role in helping these poorer schools get back on track. Communities push for parental involvement, which will hopefully push students to perform better. With new programs like voucher schools, choice schools, and the involvement of Catholic schools, some select students will have the opportunity to engage in an education far better than the one they will receive at the current public school that they attend. All in all, the goal to close the achievement gap and help minority students who attend poor inner city schools to have a chance to escape a life of