The Academic Achievement Gap

By Wendy Apice-Craig, Ray Pascali,

and Rick Sabol

Linus or Charlie?

Linus or Charlie?

What about Jesse?

15 Cents

1970’s and 80’s– Students of color made progress in closing the

gap between them and their white counter parts– Progress stalled in the next decade

In all ages and all subjects the gap increased.

Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests?

Socio-cultural reasons

School Related Causes.

Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests?

Socio-cultural reasons:– segregation– discrimination– poverty– parents low-level education.

Other Factors

Children of color are part to blame– unwilling to give up their unique way of speaking– drug use– teenage pregnancy.

Government Solutions

Ending Segregation Creating laws and policies Drug and sex education programs Bilingual education.

Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests?

School Related Causes:– Teachers low expectations of children of color– Less experienced teachers – Schools prepared them for industrial related jobs that

no longer existed– They were often tracked in lower-level courses.

The Innovative Solution

NCLB– Emphasis on state and local accountability for the

progress of students– Standardized testing results hold teachers and

schools accountable.

The NCLB Solution

If schools fail to make AYP students are able to transfer to a school within the district that has made progress

Within 3 years of inadequate progress districts must provide supplementary tutoring

Within 5 years of inadequate progress schools can be closed

Each child has a highly qualified teacher

Allows federal funds to be used to improve communications with parents.

Suggestion

NCLB holds Schools accountable. How about holding parents accountable?

– Parent report cards

Offer teachers monetary incentives to teach in poor performing schools

Wave certification for teachers who have comparable business experience

Bring discipline back to the schools– Use Ret military to run schools.

Reinstate the Draft

Fair– Include all categories of Americans– Age, economic status, regional, religious, and

ethnic groups

Diversify the military– Better quality military

Reduce the number of wars.