Defining the Achievement Gap


The U.S. Department of Education describes the achievement gap as the difference in academic performance between different ethnic groups. For a variety of educators, the gap is defined as the disparity between white students and other ethnic groups and between English learners and native English speakers, socioeconomically disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged, and students with disabilities as compared to students without disabilities. There are many ways to measure and define the achievement gap. Therefore, the selected following topics are not meant to exhaust the subject matter, but rather to provide multiple perspectives on issues in education and proposals on how to work towards greater achievement for all students. The goal for every educator is to assess the needs of every student and develop strategies that work to ensure success for every student as well. The following will highlight areas of particular interest when discussing the achievement gap and supplement this information with programs, strategies, curricula, and ideas that are designed to close the gap. 




Culture/Race/Ethnicity



Curriculum/School Organization



Socio-Economic



Gender



Urban and Rural



Testing