An Achievement Gap exists in many of our schools. It has become more evident since the No Child Left Behind legislation was enacted. There are many questions surrounding Closing the Gap. This page was developed to answer those basic questions.
What is the "Achievement Gap"?
Why is there an "Achievement Gap"?
What does a Gap look like?
What is "Closing the Gap" as defined by law?
How are gaps identified?
What are the typical groups identified in "Closing the Gap"?
Why is closing the achievement gap important?
Why is closing the achievement gap essential?
What will it take to reduce or eliminate gaps?
Who are the stakeholders in "Closing the Gap"?
What are some myhts about "Closing the Gap"?
Take a Gap Quiz
Take a Multicultural Education and Equity Awareness Quiz
Gap Resources
What is the Achievement Gap?
In Kentucky we believe that ALL children can learn at high levels no matter their race, socio-economic status, native language, gender or whether they have a disability. So, if ANY student in ANY class is not performing according to the state's high standards and expectations, an achievement gap exists.
In 2003, Kentucky legislators added a provision to state law that requires each and every Kentucky School to address academic achievement gaps in their school by examining disaggregated student data, and setting targets.
Starting in the fall of 2003 when schools are given their NCLB determinations, schools that cannot meet annual goals for progress will be subject to new requirements - under the federal No Child Left Behind Act - for closing the gaps.
Why is there an achievement gap?
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There is much speculation and discussion, even among researchers and scholars, about the cause of the achievement gap. Some point to the school or teacher, others say it's the parent's fault, some say it's both, and others blame discriminatory practices.
What Does a Gap Look Like?
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A school may have a gap if :Commonwealth Accountabilty System (CATS) Scores have not reached Proficient Level (100).A school's CATS Testing score may be near 100 or have reached proficiency, but still have score differences between groups of students.Any student is not performing according to ...
What is Closing the Gap as defined by law?
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The recent laws enacted in Kentucky and the United States have impacted the way schools will work to educate ALL students.
Kentucky Senate Bill 168 (SB 168) which resulted in KRS.158.649
"An Act relating to reducing the achievement gaps in the public schools...
No Child Left Behind Act 2001 (NCLB)
This Act redefines the federal role in K-12 education and will help close the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority students and their peers.
How are gaps identified?
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1. Student observation (SOFT DATA: Attendance, Homework, Behavior)
2. Student daily work
3. Analysis of student with non-academic data
4. Formal assessments-disaggregated data
5. Specific questions stakeholders ask
What are the typical groups identified in Closing the Gap?
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Typically, students who are minorities - as defined by race, socio-economic status, native language, disability and gender - perform at levels below those students who are in the majority in each category.
The list may include:
1. Ethnicity/Race
2. Socio-economic status
3. English as a Second Language (ESL) or English language learners
4. Disability
5. Gender
But it can also include students who:
6. Are gifted
7. Are from different cultures
8. Have different learning styles
Any student who is not performing according to Kentucky's high standards and expectations, falls into the gap.
Why is closing the achievement gap important?
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a) each student deserves an education that provides for high levels of achievement
b) It's the law (KRS 158.649;SB 168; NCLB) and all schools need to examine gaps
c) Some schools will not get to proficiency without closing the gap
Why is closing the achievement gap essential?
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The public schools have an obligation to educate ALL students to the highest levels. Moving students from where they are and helping them achieve is essential.
What will it take to reduce or eliminate gaps?
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1. Educational equity
2. Teacher quality
3. High expectations
4. Parental education
5. Socio economic status
6. Congruence between home and school culture
7. Societal non-discriminatory practices
8. Updated rigorous curriculum
9. Effective instructional practices
10. Strong leadership style
11. Positive classroom climate
12. Access to curriculum for all
13. Access to technology to assist a student's learning style
14. NO EXCUSES. We CAN and MUST remove all barriers for learning for ALL students.
Who are the stakeholders in Closing the Gap?
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Community Partners
Family Members
District Offices
School Staff
Teachers
Each one of us has an important role to play if we are to succeed in reducing and eventually eliminating the achievement gap. All children can learn, and no child can be left behind. There will be many challenges, and we will all need to learn. But we can, and we must make an effort to ensure that ALL Kentucky children reach a high level of achievement and can realize their own hopes and dreams.
What are some MYTHS about Closing the Gap?
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Many myths surround the achievement gap and efforts to close or eliminate it.
It is not just the poor performing schools which must be concerned with closing the gap. High performing schools, even those which have reached proficiency may still have gaps that must be addressed.
It is not just schools with minority populations or special education students, but all schools have gaps that need to be eliminated.
Resources
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Achievement Gaps: North Central Regional Educational Laboratory
Parents Site of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
The goal of the site is to provide parents with useful information to help their children learn.
Download Questions Parents Should Ask to Encourage School Equity