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Closing the Achievement Gap: Four States' Efforts

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Closing the Achievement Gap: Four States' Efforts
Language: English
Authors: Wixom, Micah Ann, Education Commission of the States
Source: Education Commission of the States. 2015.
Availability: Education Commission of the States. ECS Distribution Center, 700 Broadway Suite 1200, Denver, CO 80203-3460. Tel: 303-299-3692; Fax: 303-296-8332; e-mail: ecs@ecs.org; Web site: http://www.ecs.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2015
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Achievement Gap, State Legislation, Educational Legislation, Statewide Planning, Planning Commissions, Accountability, Diversity (Institutional)
Geographic Terms: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, Wisconsin
Abstract: The achievement gap separating economically disadvantaged students from their more advantaged peers disproportionately affects students of color and has been the focus of discussion, research and controversy for more than 40 years. While the gap between black and white students narrowed considerably from the 1950s to the 1980s, that gap has remained stubbornly stable since then. Some research suggests that the income achievement gap (separating wealthy and poor students) is widening. Below-par achievement of minority and economically disadvantaged students remains one of the most concerning problems in education. This brief highlights the efforts of four states--Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and Wisconsin--to reduce their achievement gaps through state-level task forces or commissions and other legislative action. These four states historically boast average or strong academic achievement levels, but all are facing achievement gaps, some of them significant. Two appendices are provided: (1) Master Plan to Eliminate the Achievement Gap in Connecticut; and (2) Recommendations from the 2014 Massachusetts Advocates for Diversity in Education Task Force.
Abstractor: ERIC
Entry Date: 2015
Accession Number: ED561914
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The achievement gap separating economically disadvantaged students from their more advantaged peers disproportionately affects students of color and has been the focus of discussion, research and controversy for more than 40 years. While the gap between black and white students narrowed considerably from the 1950s to the 1980s, that gap has remained stubbornly stable since then. Some research suggests that the income achievement gap (separating wealthy and poor students) is widening. Below-par achievement of minority and economically disadvantaged students remains one of the most concerning problems in education. This brief highlights the efforts of four states--Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and Wisconsin--to reduce their achievement gaps through state-level task forces or commissions and other legislative action. These four states historically boast average or strong academic achievement levels, but all are facing achievement gaps, some of them significant. Two appendices are provided: (1) Master Plan to Eliminate the Achievement Gap in Connecticut; and (2) Recommendations from the 2014 Massachusetts Advocates for Diversity in Education Task Force.