School Improvement Leadership: Opportunity and Achievement Gaps

Question 1

U.S. Dept of Ed’s definition of achievement gap:

Answer 1

the difference in academic performance between different ethnic groups

Question 2

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) attempts to address the opportunity and achievement gap by requiring schools, districts, and state ed systems to meet ……..

Answer 2

yearly targets for several subgroups: African-American, Hispanic, white, economically disadvantaged, special education, limited English proficient (LEP)

Question 3

Possible solutions for equal opportunity and decreasing achievement gap (educators often site other nations as examples of education success): (7)

Answer 3

1. fair and adequate funding,
2. increased compensation for teachers and corresponding higher qualification requirements,
3. improved training and mentorship for teachers,
4. curriculum that is more engaging and rigorous,
5. access to pre-K for all children,
6. access to quality health care for all children,
7. access to nutritious diets for all children