Final comments on the achievement gap

By Josie Johnson, March Guest Blogger

I have received many comments regarding the articles on issues relating to the achievement gap question. They have been thoughtful and encouraging. The bottom line supports the need for all of us interested in the education of ALL children, to get involved.

In his book Achievement Matters, Hugh B. Price, former president of the National Urban League, states in the introduction: “Education is the great equalizer in American society. It unlocks the doors to children’s futures.” All the comments I have received made that statement in many different ways.

Our challenge is to apply the skills of research and analysis. We need to take time, and review all the educational reforms strategies we have initiated in the last 54 years.

Marvin Cetron and Margaret Gayle in their book Educational Renaissance, reported on hundreds of reform efforts they studied in the 1980s. They identified several school districts that showed some progress. We in education often refer to “best practices” however I am not sure we truly follow models of “best practices.” We too often introduce a new reform before we determine what worked and what did not work in the last reform methods to educate all children.

I believe our American education system is in trouble. We are losing a once-held prestigious position in science and technology and we have again, relinquished our interest in educating all the children to outsourcing and recruiting from abroad.

Until America places value on all her children we will continue to be "A Nation at Risk" and widen the achievement gap.