STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP: A DEFINITION

The achievement gap is a persistent, pervasive and significant disparity in educational achievement and attainment among groups of students as determined by a standardized measure. When analyzed according to race and ethnicity, achievement disparities negatively impact educational outcomes for poor children and children of color on a consistent basis.

" If we say, children don't learn at home what they need to succeed in school, that may be true. However, we can't let that be an excuse for failing to provide what they need. If they don't get adequate teaching at home, we teach them."
– Abrahams, Roger D. and Troike, Rudolph C., Language and Cultural Diversity in American Education