Narrowing the Achievement Gap Perspectives and Strategies for Challenging Times

This timely and thoughtful book provides multiple perspectives on closing achievement gaps.

Closing persistent gaps in educational outcomes between different groups of students has been a central goal of educational policy for the past forty years. The commitment to close existing achievement gaps poses an unprecedented challenge to policy makers, school leaders, and teachers alike, since the causes of those gaps are multiple and complex. For that reason, no single set of policy prescriptions—no matter how well crafted and managed—is likely to be successful. While there is no ready road map for policy makers, the press for solutions is acute.

The chapters examine the conditions—both in and out of school—that lead to achievement gaps. However, this book also explores measures for addressing these gaps—measures that, individually and in concert, will prove crucial to any meaningful effort to alleviate these profound disparities.

Thomas B. Timar is a professor and the executive director of the Center for Applied Policy in Education in the University of California Davis, School of Education. His research focuses on education policy, politics, governance, and finance. His most recent research is on school and district reform and the use of resources in schools.

Julie Maxwell-Jolly is a senior researcher and the managing director of the Center for Applied Policy in Education at the University of California, Davis, School of Education. Her research focus is policy and practice related to the instruction of English language learners.