The Achievement Gap In Education
The achievement gap in education has been the subject of discussion for many years due to the disparity among groups of students in relation to language ability, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Experts offer many possible explanations for the gap, including the assertion that an achievement gap is inevitable, and others placing blame on inadequate education systems that are ill equipped to meet the needs of all of its students. Others still may place an emphasis on environmental factors outside of the schools, namely systemic poverty and parental influence. Regardless, research highlights the importance of third grade in driving students’ academic achievement (Simms, 2012): Academic achievement in the third grade can be
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39). This gap has been consistent across all education levels and is directly connected to educational achievement. In fact, according to Simms (2012), “Of fourth and eighth graders who scored above the 75th percentile in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2011, more than 70% were White and fewer than 8% were Black” (p. 23). Further research suggests that the minority student achievement gap can begin as early as kindergarten (Simms, 2012). When examining the achievement gap for minority students, many experts site family background as a significant cause. Family background encompasses many factors: parent’s education level, mother’s age at birth, structure of the family, and socio-economic …show more content…
Home educational resources and reduced class size, especially, are two of the most critical factors that facilitate achievement of low-SES students (Bellibas, 2016). Those students who have access to education resources before even beginning school are already at a significant advantage over those (often low-SES) students with no access to educational resources. Even a small increase in availability can make a world of difference. Gallegos & Wise (2011) say it best: “Our leadership preparation programs and our current school leaders must develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the learning of ALL students” (p. 51). The achievement gap has existed throughout history, and although serious education reform attempts have been proposed, it is apparent through the literature and research that there is still much that can and must be
39). This gap has been consistent across all education levels and is directly connected to educational achievement. In fact, according to Simms (2012), “Of fourth and eighth graders who scored above the 75th percentile in reading and math on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2011, more than 70% were White and fewer than 8% were Black” (p. 23). Further research suggests that the minority student achievement gap can begin as early as kindergarten (Simms, 2012). When examining the achievement gap for minority students, many experts site family background as a significant cause. Family background encompasses many factors: parent’s education level, mother’s age at birth, structure of the family, and socio-economic …show more content…
Home educational resources and reduced class size, especially, are two of the most critical factors that facilitate achievement of low-SES students (Bellibas, 2016). Those students who have access to education resources before even beginning school are already at a significant advantage over those (often low-SES) students with no access to educational resources. Even a small increase in availability can make a world of difference. Gallegos & Wise (2011) say it best: “Our leadership preparation programs and our current school leaders must develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the learning of ALL students” (p. 51). The achievement gap has existed throughout history, and although serious education reform attempts have been proposed, it is apparent through the literature and research that there is still much that can and must be