the academic achievement gap by wendy apice-craig, ray pascali, and rick sabol
TRANSCRIPT
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.