Achievement Gap Essay - 1447 Words

The achievement gap is defined as the disparity between the performance groups of students, especially groups defined by gender, race/ethnicity, ability and socio-economic status. The achievement gap can be observed through a variety of measures including standardized test scores, grade point averages, drop out rates, college enrollment and completion rates. The Black-White achievement gap is a critical issue in modern society’s education system. Although data surrounding the issue clearly indicates that the racial performance gap exists in areas of standardized tests, graduation rates, dropout rates, and enrollment in continuing education, the causative reasons for the gap are ambiguous—therefore presenting a significant challenge in†¦show more content†¦Less than 4% of the total student population enrolled in America’s colleges and universities (one of the smallest subgroups based on race/ethnicity and gender.) According to the Schott Foundation, the g raduation rate of Black males in CT is between 51%, whereas White males in CT have an 83% graduation rate—a 32% gap. Moreover, the achievement gap between Black women and Black men is the lowest male-to female ratio among all racial/ethnic subgroups. (Strayhorn 1). The disproportionate and devastating failure of Black males in the educational system has further ramifications in our social system as black males are over-represented in the criminal justice system: â€Å"African-American males represent approximately 8.6 percent of the nation’s K-12 public school enrollment but make up about 60 percent of all incarcerated youth† (Smith 2005). In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the academic crisis of adolescent black males, one must examine the research findings surrounding the Black-White achievement gap, black male standardized test scores, black male literacy achievement, and the socio-cultural achievement barriers that obscure black males’ self-perception of themselves as readers. â€Å"According to many standardized assessments, educators in the U.S.Show MoreRelatedThe Gap Of The Achievement Gap917 Words   |  4 Pages The achievement gap is the education gap between the performance group of students in which these groups are usually defined by their social status, race or gender. The education experts proved that this gap had a negative impact on the students of the new generation as most of them tend to believe that this gap couldn t be changed and that their life success and learning will be depending on their social status, race or gender. This gap not only affects students, but also affects everyone in theRead MoreAchievement Gaps1012 Words   |  5 PagesAchievement Gaps Reading, writing and the ability to solve simple mathematical problems are a part of the necessary tools needed to survive in America. Consequently, such learning tools are used numerous times throughout the day without recognition. However, reading, writing and basic knowledge of mathematical problems are not equally achieved by all social groups. It is clear that education plays a major role in the future of an individual, yet there are achievement gaps between Black, WhiteRead MoreThe Achievement Gap1119 Words   |  5 Pagesthe education sector, the achievement gap delineates the observed disparity in school performance among student groups. This gap is manifested in measures such as test scores, grades, college completion and dropout rates, and selection of courses. Within the U.S. context, the achievement gap has often been used to refer to the worrying performance disparities between Latinos and African-Americans on one hand and their non-Hispanic white counterparts on the o ther. The gap also describes academic differencesRead MoreAchievement Gap with Minorities753 Words   |  3 Pagesabout achievement gap is broached, it is often offensive towards minorities. Mainly because it implies that you’re acknowledging the fact that there is and achievement difference among their race and Whites. Personally I have no problem with the term because it is factual. It’s what school officials are not doing to close this gap that i have a problem with The achievement gap is sustained by poor school management and teaching—not other social or cultural factors. In order to close this gap amongRead MoreThe Achievement Gap Of Education905 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"Achievement Gap.† These are two of the most powerful and controversial words in the educational field today. Professionals use the term achievement gap to refer to the differences in performance, whether it be test scores, attendance, drop-out rates, graduation rates, etc., am ongst the various student populations in education. There have been many educational policies and reforms in an attempt to narrow the achievement gap amongst the various ethnic groups namely, â€Å"No Child Left Behind† (NCLB)Read MoreThe Segregation Of The Achievement Gap1837 Words   |  8 PagesThe Camouflaged Segregation of the Achievement Gap in the United States Education System The first public school in the United States opened in Boston in the year of 1821. By the end of the 19th century, public secondary schools began to outnumber private ones. Nevertheless, the education system started with many flaws. One of the biggest problems of the public educational system is that, although it gave the less advantaged an opportunity to learn, it did so in a segregated way. When we talk aboutRead MoreAchievement Gap Between The Educational Performance Gap931 Words   |  4 PagesAchievement gap refers to the difference between the educational performances of different groups of students (Hidden Curriculum, 2014). While this is still a common problem in society, many educators are trying to close the gap and get all students on the same page for success. It is important to know not only the types of achievement gaps faced within schools, but also how they can be handled effectively. One common achievement gap is that of upper-class majority students versus lower-c lass minorityRead MoreEducation And Academic Achievement Gap1304 Words   |  6 Pagesstudents. Many people believe that schools should focus on excelling on standardized testing, such as state tests and college entrance exams, and lowering the academic achievement gap. After all, these examinations are major factors in students’ future decisions and schools’ academic success greatly affects their overall achievement. Focusing on standardized testing is important; however, basic courses—such as English, mathematics, and science—are not the only subjects that are beneficial when preparingRead MoreThe Black White Achievement Gap1462 Words   |  6 PagesAfrican American students in an affluent, suburban district have not successfully closed the achievement gap. These students’ are generally lower performing that whites and Asians and sometimes lower than Hispanic and/or socio-economically disadvantaged. According to Sohn (2012) the phenomenon of the black white achievement gap has returned. Slaven and Madden (2006) assert â€Å"The gap in academic achievement between African American (as well as Latino) children and their White peers is arguably theRead MoreThe Achievement Gap Is Difficult For Children2305 Words   |  10 PagesMarkese Jones Mr. Hance AP Writing Lab 10 February 2015 The Achievement Gap The achievement gap is difficult for children just entering school because the bar has already been set to where some of those children are going to land. At the age of three, children of people with careers have vocabularies that are nearly 1.5 times greater than