In education we hear about the achievement gap that is exists between various groups of students. There is the reported gap between race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Does it truly exist and if so why? Are we making excuses or should I say have we been making excuses for so long that it becomes a natural thought? This is not to go against any researcher or their work. I know there has been plenty of research conducted on this topic, but we all know we can often times make research say what we want it to say based on the data we collect.

Does an achievement gap mean certain groups of students just are not capable of performing to the sane level as another group? Here is my personal take on the topic….all kids have the potential to learn regardless of their skin color, gender, or whether they receive free lunch or pay for it. The reality is what do we as educators put into these students. This is where equity comes into play. If you set high expectations for all students, build relationships with all students, showcase and celebrate the success for all students, then you see less of an academic gap and more academic success for all students. I’m not telling you what I heard. I’m telling you what I know. The student who takes home a bag of food from school every weekend to ensure they have food receives the same love,attention, and expectations as the kid who has parents that are lawyers and doctors. We have to teach them all. Stop making excuses and give these kids the education they deserve. Parents send us the best they have. Work with it! All kids deserve a quality education and a safe environment. Equity of services and facilities is a start. If you want kids to be successful, show them they matter. I have research that will turn heads as it relates to supposed academic gaps. Being that this is a personal blog, I prefer to release it in a more professional format. Coming soon!! I can’t say it enough…..it’s about culture, relationship building and collective efficacy!