The Achievement Gap

“Oceans of adolescent come

here to receive lessons, but
never learn to swim.”
-Malcom London

By Madison Derbyshire, Carol Garrett, Sierra Jimenez, and Lauren Kennedy

Derbyshire, Garrett, Jimenez, Kennedy: Achievement Gap 1
 What is the Achievement Gap?

The achievement gap refers to an observed difference in academic performance among groups
of students usually distinguished by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, or gender.

Also referred to as the “opportunity” gap

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Bar Graph Trends 2012-2017

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 Results From the Bar Graph

This bar graph shows that up until the year 2017 The Achievement Gap was not a big issue
that most school were facing.

However, once 2017 came along the Achievement Gap became a huge issue in schools.

Based on this evidence we can assume that The Achievement Gap has continued to be an
issue in 2018 and now, 2019.
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 Which age level is most dominant?
Kindergarten & Elementary

Ages 6-10
Students who do not perform
well in elementary school are
more likely to fall further behind
and drop out.
One study found that nearly
a quarter of students who
don’t read proficiently by the
end of third grade won’t
graduate from high school
on time.

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Derbyshire, Garrett, Jimenez, Kennedy: Achievement Gap 6
Closing the Achievement Gap in the Classroom

• Teachers can develop ways to personalize learning for their students.

• Introduce material that is culturally relevant and representative.
• Communicate and develop relationships with parents and/or guardians.
• Use any available data from their students to student track progress.
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Fourth grade Math & Reading Graphs

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 Closing the gap:
Example #1 Personalized learning

• Flexible Learning Environments

• Student Self-assessment
• Technology
• Project/Problem-Based Learning
• Create Your Own Learning Paths
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 Closing the Gap:
Example #2 Track Progress

• Fit your style of teaching and management.

• Be time efficient.
• Be relatable to the students.
• Updated regularly!

Update. Check. Improve.

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 Closing the Gap:
Example #3 Beyond School
To help children from low-income communities reach this goal of higher education and career
success, policies must be put in place that help the families and communities.

Examples include:
• Community centers for at-risk youth
• Adult education and parenting courses at local
schools
• Working with medical, social services, and
community agencies

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 Negative impacts on educators

• Ensure that all students succeed.

• Difficult to remain optimistic.
• Differences in racial gaps, economically
segregated students.
• Teachers have to push learners that are
far behind to work harder.
“How can they assign homework
• If teachers make excuses for students when home is work?”
who are facing obstacles, those students -Malcolm London
fall further behind.

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 Positive impacts on educators

• Students feel safe and supported

• Builds a strong classroom culture
• Strengthens teaching methods/ effectiveness for the future

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 Closing the Gap: Is it Possible?

While it may take a lot of time, patience, and hard work, the bottom line is
that the achievement gap is slowly closing. By taking the appropriate steps as
active members in our community we can help those who may be fortunate
enough to witness the gap disappear altogether in the future.

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 Works Cited
Abramson, A. (2018, February 21). What Is the Achievement Gap and What Can Educators Do About It? Retrieved from

https://tinyurl.com/y385pphz

Achievement Gaps Exist As Early As When Children Begin Kindergarten. (2015, June 17). Retrieved from

https://tinyurl.com/y2bumqaw

Get the Facts on The Achievement Gap. (2017, January 25). Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/y4r3vsrd

NAEP Nations Report Card - National Assessment of Educational Progress - NAEP. (2009, July). Retrieved from

https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/pubs/studies/2009455.asp

Waldman, C. (2015, September 23). Daily Dish: The Achievement Gap’s Impact on a Successful Future. Retrieved from

https://tinyurl.com/y3faqh7n

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