A Call for Change: Narrowing the Achievement Gap between White and Minority Students

Abstract

The achievement gap that exists between white and minority students is, and has been, a persistent problem in education. Through research, many factors have been uncovered as contributors to this issue, although none has been shown to be the sole cause. A small number of schools have been able to narrow the achievement gap through the implementation of strategies that impact everything from the teacher-student relationship to the district as a whole. These strategies could easily be incorporated into any school across the country; however, in order to see this change take place, a dramatic shift in the attitude and priorities of policy-makers, administrators, and teachers has to occur.

Keywords:

• achievement gap
• minorities
• education
• school reform