Giving Compass' Take:

• A report by the Public Impact found that students of color in wealthier schools are still facing achievement gaps. The report expands on evidence-based approaches educators can take to close these gaps without eliminating advanced instruction. 

•  How can personalized learning methods help close achievement gaps? 

• Read about how educators using the arts to combat the achievement gap. 

While faring better than their peers in high-poverty schools, students of color and low-income students in wealthier schools still lag behind their higher-income and white classmates. This is largely due to unequal access to educational, personal and sociopolitical resources outside of school, according to an extensive report by Public Impact, commissioned by the Oak Foundation.

The report examined approaches with evidence of boosting outcomes for disadvantaged students without reducing the availability of advanced instruction. When all students get the help they need to advance, all will need what schools today consider “advanced” instruction. Second, schools that serve all students well, regardless of background, build strong community commitment to public education, the report says.

District leaders who pursue such strategies may help equip large numbers of low-income students and students of color to achieve at high levels  The report notes that how strategies are put into action is nearly as important as the strategies themselves.

The report recommends district leaders employ research-based strategies, such as screening for and addressing learning differences, using personalized instruction, responding to trauma, instituting school-based health clinics, addressing mental health needs and hiring teachers who match the racial and other identities of their students. They also recommend culturally relevant assignments, non-discriminatory discipline policies and addressing implicit bias with ongoing anti-bias training.

Read the full article about achievement gaps by Christina Vercelletto at EducationDive