The "Achievement Gap"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how, although it is desirable that the elementary classroom provide a unified approach and atmosphere for educating students, such unity is not always possible in today's diversified classroom. It looks at how the challenges that exist in a diversified classroom are myriad and how regardless of these challenges, it is important to work with the diverse population. The paper further examines the phenomenon of the "achievement gap," "acting white," and the potential effect of the teacher on what is presumed to be peer effects.

Outline:
The "Achievement Gap"
Acting White
Closing the Gap
Discussion and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"According to Fryer and Levitt (2004) there is a gap between the test scores of white and black students, which widens as these students progress through elementary school and into later grades. This phenomenon exists even when socioeconomic factors, family structure, neighborhood elements, and school quality are accounted for (Fryer & Levitt, 2004, p. 65). In addition, while black students experiencing a widening gap as they progress through school, Hispanic children in the same environment tend to close the achievement gap when they mature, even when faced with "relative inexperience with the English language" (Fryer & Levitt, 2004, p. 65)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fryer, R. G. (2006). Acting white: The social price paid by the best and brightest minority students. Education Next, 1: 53-59http://media.hoover.org/documents/ednext20061_52.pdf
• Fryer, R. G., & Levitt, (2004). Falling Behind. Education Next, 4: 64-71 http://media.hoover.org/documents/ednext20044_64.pdf
• Manz, P. H., & McWayne, C. M. (2004). Early interventions to improve peer relations/social competence of low-income children. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. Retrieved 05 December 2006 from http://www.excellence-earlychildhood.ca/documents/Manz-McWayneANGxp.pdf
• Urban Education Network of Iowa. (2003). An addendum to raising achievement: Closing the education gap. Retrieved 05 December 2006 from http://www.uen-ia.org/strategies.pdf
• Fryer, R. G. (2006). Acting white: The social price paid by the best and brightest minority students. Education Next, 1: 53-59http://media.hoover.org/documents/ednext20061_52.pdf

More papers on The "Achievement Gap":

• Research Paper # 94148 : "The Achievement Gap"
• Analytical Essay # 150343 : "The Achievement Gap and Multicultural Solutions"
• Persuasive Essay # 149225 : "Addressing the Achievement Gap"
• Term Paper # 121625 : "Achievement Gap in Education"

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