Discrepancies in Student Achievement

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, among minority students as well as between male and female students, there are discrepancies in educational and occupational expectations and aspirations. The author points out that, using the National Education Longitudinal Study, a gap exists between aspirations and expectations among students who set goals that were unrealistic in nature and who had generally been described as having lower educational achievement levels early on in their education. This paper stresses that, first and foremost, educators have to identify when a potential for a discrepancy exists and than use a combination approach because there is no one solution that will fit every student.

Table of Contents
Historical Origins of Differences
The Discrepancies between Supposedly Increasing Educational Aspirations and Persistent Gaps in School Outcomes
Challenges These Differences Pose to Educators Today
What Schools and Teachers can do to Improve Educational Equity across Population Groups?

From the Paper:

"Why the discrepancy? In the past little effort has been made to differentiate between aspirations and expectations; and example given is a study conducted in 1991 by Marjoribanks, who used the term 'aspirations' to describe his study, but actually measured student expectations. Thus, part of the blame rests on the shoulders of researchers. There is also evidence to suggest that sometimes students create aspirations that are unreasonable or unattainable. This is an issue that must be dealt with by school administrators and teachers, who must work together to help students create aspirations that are attainable and reasonable. In addition, students must be taught in an environment that encourages and supports, and one that recognizes the unique challenges and hardships any individual student may face when attempting to realize their expectations."

More papers on Discrepancies in Student Achievement:

• Argumentative Essay # 91607 : "Impact of Gender on Student Achievement "
• Research Proposal # 100699 : "Parent Involvement and Student Achievement"
• Descriptive Essay # 101158 : "Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery-Third Edition"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: