Achievement Gaps Research Paper by write123

Achievement Gaps
This paper discusses reasons for the existence of achievement gaps and looks at possible ways of reducing these gaps.
# 106557 | 8,300 words | 25 sources | APA | 2008 | US
Published on Aug 08, 2008 in Education (Education Psychology) , Education (Theory) , Sociology (Theory) , Education (Social Issues)


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Description:

In this article, the writer notes that for many years there has been a considerable achievement gap in America. Most often this achievement gap is evident when comparing wealthy children to poor children. There are also achievement gaps along the lines of race and gender. The writer explores why these achievement gaps exist and the ways in which these gaps can be reduced. The writer also provides some facts concerning the types of achievement gaps that exist in America. The writer maintains that achievement gaps between white and black students begin in elementary school and exist throughout adulthood. The research suggests that such factors as poverty, under funding and racism play substantial roles in contributing to the achievement gap amongst American students.

Outline:
Introduction
Achievement Gap
Why Does an Achievement Gap Exist?
Poverty
Unequal Funding
Locus of Control
Acting White
Academic Disengagement
Reasons for Academic Disengagement
How to reduce the Achievement Gap
Adequate School Funding and School Choice
Better Trained and Better Paid Teachers
Detracking
Changing Perceptions
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When schools do not have adequate funding they can not purchase enough books for every student, school equipment may be deteriorating and students may not have access to the technologies needed. A lack of these essential tools can make it difficult for students to thrive.
"In addition to adequate school funding, school choice may be needed in some districts. The issue of school choice is a controversial one but parents and students should not have to bear the cost of schools that are failing children and not providing them with the education needed to compete in the world. In a perfect world schools would get funding and well trained teachers but the reality is that in order to close the achievement gap some serious issues must be addressed and this may result in the temporary or permanent closing of underperforming or failing schools."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Adler, M., Rougle, E., Kaiser, E., & Caughlan, S. (2003). Closing the Gap between Concept and Practice: Toward More Dialogic Discussion in the Language Arts Classroom A University-School Partnership Worked to Increase Student Achievement by Enabling Teachers to Identify and Use More Dialogic Methods for Discussion in Middle School English Language Arts Classrooms. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 47(4), 312+.
  • Alderman, M. K. (2004). Motivation for Achievement: Possibilities for Teaching and Learning (2nd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  • Anderson, S., Medrich, E., & Fowler, D. (2007). Which Achievement Gap?. Phi Delta Kappan, 88(7), 547+.
  • Bali, V. A., & Alvarez, R. M. (2004). The Race Gap in Student Achievement Scores: Longitudinal Evidence from a Racially Diverse School District. Policy Studies Journal, 32(3), 393+.
  • Beglau, M. M. (2005). Can Technology Narrow the Black-White Achievement Gap? the eMINTS Instructional Model of Inquiry-Based Teaching, Combined with Multimedia Tools in the Classroom Improves Test Scores for All Students. T H E Journal (Technological Horizons In Education), 32(12), 13+.

Cite this Research Paper:

APA Format

Achievement Gaps (2008, August 08) Retrieved May 28, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/research-paper/achievement-gaps-106557/

MLA Format

"Achievement Gaps" 08 August 2008. Web. 28 May. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/research-paper/achievement-gaps-106557/>

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