Is There an Acheivement Gap In Berwyn?

The achievement gap in our country is well documented and so it goes here in Berwyn. The term "achievement gap" refers to the difference in achievement between groups of students, especially those groups defined by race, gender and socioeconomic status. For example, in one Berwyn Elementary School District, the state report card for 2008 shows that 65% economically disadvantaged 3rd grade students meet or exceed state reading standards compared to 75% for their non-disadvantaged peers. This achievement gap is also evident when comparing students by race/ethnicity with white students outperforming their non-white peers and Asian students outperforming all groups (87% of Asian students in the Berwyn district meet or exceed expectations!). The real story, though, is in the number of students exceeding standards. When you separate out this group, indicated by a 4 on the report card charts starting on about page 8, you'll see the percentage of economically disadvantaged students EXCEEDING expectations is about half that of the non-disadvantaged peers.

We KNOW there is an achievement gap. What educators and communities don't seem to know is what to do about it. Well, that is not entirely true.

I've referenced the article, "What It Takes To Make a Student" , before and continue to reread it whenever I am considering what solutions exist for Berwyn's challenges. Hey, Berwyn! Do we REALLY want to eliminate the achievement gap? Take the time to read the 2006 New York Times article and then Ask YOUR school officials what efforts are being made to eliminate the achievement gap. Ask YOUR school officials what support is needed from the community to ensure that ALL students reach their potential.