It’s important to note that “achievement gap” does have credible origins and implications. It implies that children are not achieving as they should be, and that it’s their fault. Simply stated, we believe the term “achievement gap” unfairly places blame on kids. We believe it’s important to use language in a solutions-oriented way that promotes systemic reform and empowers communities to demand more. While a shift in terminology will not solve the pervasive inequities students face, words have meaning.
It therefore accurately places responsibility on an inequitable system that is not providing the opportunities for all kids to thrive and succeed. “Opportunity gap” draws attention to the conditions and obstacles that young students face throughout their educational careers.
#ANOTHER WORD FOR PERVASIVE ZIP#
“Opportunity gap” refers to the fact that the arbitrary circumstances in which people are born-such as their race, ethnicity, ZIP code, and socioeconomic status-determine their opportunities in life, rather than all people having the chance to achieve to the best of their potential.
In recent years, Teach For America has joined other organizations and education experts in shifting to the term “opportunity gap,” as we think this more precisely names the situation in our country.
It’s a term that refers to the disparity in academic outcomes between lower-income students-who often are people of color, non-native English speakers, and those living in rural communities-and their affluent peers.
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