Key Facts
Lack of Change
Contrary to recent perceptions, the achievement gap has not grown over the past 50 years. But neither has it closed. Instead, the gap between the haves and have-nots has persisted.
Achievement Gap
The “achievement gap” in education refers to the disparity in academic performance between groups of students.
Increased Spending
The gap between the haves and have-nots has remained constant, even while spending per student has quadrupled.
Reconsider Current Policies
The United States needs to reconsider its existing policies aimed at shrinking the achievement gap and be open to new directions in education policy.