1. The Academic Achievement Gap By Wendy Apice-Craig, Ray Pascali, and Rick Sabol

2. Linus or Charlie?

4. What about Jesse?

6. 15 Cents

7. 1970’s and 80’s – Students of color made progress in closing the gap between them and their white counter parts – Progress stalled in the next decade In all ages and all subjects the gap increased.

8. Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests? Socio-cultural reasons School Related Causes.

9. Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests? Socio-cultural reasons: – segregation – discrimination – poverty – parents low-level education.

10. Other Factors Children of color are part to blame – unwilling to give up their unique way of speaking – drug use – teenage pregnancy.

11. Government Solutions Ending Segregation Creating laws and policies Drug and sex education programs Bilingual education.

12. Why do African American and Latino children have lower scores on standardized tests? School Related Causes: – Teachers low expectations of children of color – Less experienced teachers – Schools prepared them for industrial related jobs that no longer existed – They were often tracked in lower-level courses.

13. The Innovative Solution NCLB – Emphasis on state and local accountability for the progress of students – Standardized testing results hold teachers and schools accountable.

14. The NCLB Solution If schools fail to make AYP students are able to transfer to a school within the district that has made progress Within 3 years of inadequate progress districts must provide supplementary tutoring Within 5 years of inadequate progress schools can be closed Each child has a highly qualified teacher Allows federal funds to be used to improve communications with parents.

15. Suggestion NCLB holds Schools accountable. How about holding parents accountable? – Parent report cards Offer teachers monetary incentives to teach in poor performing schools Wave certification for teachers who have comparable business experience Bring discipline back to the schools – Use Ret military to run schools.

16. Reinstate the Draft Fair – Include all categories of Americans – Age, economic status, regional, religious, and ethnic groups Diversify the military – Better quality military Reduce the number of wars.