Chronology of the Gap
based on research by
Ronald Ferguson
Harvard University
Children Starting School
• Levels of preparation
based on these factors:
 Cultural
 Ethnic
 Racial
 Socio-economic classes
Addressing the Gaps
• Teachers and parents
 have limited repertoires
to address the gaps
 may unintentionally make
the gap worse
 may be at risk for for
misjudging readiness
1
Awareness
• Students become
 aware of gaps
 internalize stereotypes
Internalization of Stereotypes
• Re-enforced by differences in teacher behaviors
• Impact greater if students perceive that teachers
favor high-achievers
Students Perceived as Low Achievers
• Taught differently
 Less a matter of grouping
practices
 More related to
appropriateness and kind
of instruction
2
Lower Performing Students
• Less engaged in pursuing academic achievement
• Other common pursuits:
 Athletics
 More social activities
 Withdraw
 Disrupt
 Dropout
Stereotype Threat
• Causes:
 Students lose confidence
 Develop anxiety
• Stereotype Threat:
 “Perception that a student will be perceived through
a negative stereotype.”
Motivation
• Diminished when students do not experience
academic success
• Students identify with lower performing groups
3
Resources and Achievement Gap
• Resources alone do not
explain the achievement gap
• Inequities in funding are a
minor explanation
4