Factors That Contribute to Achievement Gaps:

Article 8 REFLECTION 

       

Due to a comment on Article 8, I wanted to provide a list of factors that contribute to achievement gaps among English language learners (ELLs) and non-ELLs.  With so many factors to consider, it has become evident that there is no one answer to solve this problem. Throughout my research, I have been able to gain an understanding of what issues come into play with my current teaching situation and what factors appear to have the greatest impact on my students' learning and achievement.

Taken from the National Education Association (NEA) website: 

Identifying Factors that Contribute to Achievement Gaps

Discussion Guide 2

The causes of achievement gaps are multiple and complexly interrelated, and they vary from school to school, district to district, and community to community. As a starting point, consider factors that have been identified in various studies as contributing to achievement gaps.

Within Schools' Control	Outside Schools' Control
Schoolwide Factors Low expectations for student achievement; Lack of rigor in the curriculum; Large class size; Tracking groups of students into a less demanding curriculum; Unsafe schools; Culturally unfriendly environments; and Poor, or no, instructional leadership.	Factors in the Local Community Economic opportunity for students' families; Access to health and social services; Community safety; Access to libraries, museums, and other institutions that support students' development; and Access to child care and after-school programs and facilities.
Teacher- and Teaching-Related Factors Uncertified and inexperienced teachers; Insensitivity to different cultures; Poor teacher preparation; Low expectations of students; and Inadequate materials, equipment, and resources, including technology-based resources.	Students' Background Families' income level; Students' birth weight; Students' diet and nutrition at home; Students' mobility; and Students' primary language (if other than English).
Student-Related Factors Students' interest in school; Students' level of effort; Students' feeling that they are, in part, responsible for their learning.	Education Funding Shortfalls State budget deficits; Unfunded federal mandates; and Inequities in funding among school districts.
Families' Support of Students' Learning Families' participation in school activities; Families' skills to support and reinforce learning; and Students' TV watching and at-home reading.	Families' Support of Students' Learning Time family members are able to devote to support and reinforce learning. Other Factors Societal bias (racial, ethnic, poverty and class)

Retrieved from:

http://www.nea.org/home/17413.htm

References:
Center on Education Policy, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 619, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-822-8065; Fax: 202-822-6008; e-mail: ctredpol@ctredpol.org; Web site: http://www.ctredpol.org.