The educator's handbook for understanding and closing achievement gaps

About the Author

Part I. Background

1. Bringing Achievement Gaps Into Focus

Setting the Stage

The Importance of the Problem

Defining the Achievement Gap

Cautions for the Voyage

Conclusion

2. Portraying and Tracking Achievement Gaps / Coby V. Meyers

Tracking the Gaps

Looking at the Gap Across Levels

Conclusion

Part II. Grinding Up Hope: Explaining The Development And Persistence Of Achievement Gaps

Introduction

3. Environmental Causes of Achievement Gaps: An Introduction

4. Environmental Causes of Achievement Gaps: Socioeconomic Status

Family Occupation and Educational Backgrounds

Family Income and Wealth

Conclusion

5. Environmental Causes of Achievement Gaps: Family Environment

Family Structural Characteristics

Family Home Environment

Conclusion

6. Environmental Causes of Achievement Gaps: Community, Racism, and Individual Differences

Community

Racism and Discrimination

Individual Differences: Genetics and Ability

Conclusion

7. Environmental Causes of Achievement Gaps: Out-of-School Learning Experiences

Education Before Kindergarten: Readiness

Educational Opportunities in the Summer

Conclusion

8. Schooling Causes of the Achievement Gap: The Instructional Program

Introduction

Teachers and Teaching

Curricular Courses of Study

Conclusion

9. Schooling Causes of the Achievement Gap: School Culture, Structure, and Support

School Culture

Structure and Support

Conclusion

Part III. Opening The Doors Of Possibility: Strategies for Closing Achievement Gaps

Introduction

10. Closing Achievement Gaps: Focusing on the Social and Economic Environment

Improving the Economic and Social Conditions of Low-Income Families

Compensating for the Conditions of Poverty and Discrimination

Conclusion

11. Closing Achievement Gaps: A Focus on Schooling

Introduction

General Rules of Engagement

Gap Closing Strategies

Conclusion

References

Index