Achievement gaps exist when groups of students with relatively equal ability do not achieve in school at the same levels. In fact, one group often far exceeds the achievement levels of others. Achievement gaps may be based on race or ethnicity, income levels, language background, disability status, and gender.

NEA members are working to improve achievement for all students and close the achievement gaps, particularly for low-income and minority students.

Closing gaps requires paying attention to race and poverty

» Class Matters: In and Out of School ( PDF) From Phi Delta Kappa (2008)

Asian Americans' academic success?

» Facts, Not Fiction: Setting the Record Straight From National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE).

Diversity toolkit

NEA's online Diversity Toolkit (2008) is an educator's guide to tools and resources that foster inclusion in the classroom and workplace. It provides basic information, a short list of strategies and tools, and suggestions for how to find out more.

Read also
Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator

Research-based recommendations for closing achievement gaps

» The Critical Importance of Addressing Chronic Absence in the Early Grades  From National Center for Children in Poverty (Sept 2008).

» Gary Orfield's Race and Schools: The Need for Action

» Patricia Gándara's The Crisis in the Education of Latino Students