The Achievement Gap report published by AACF in 2008 addresses many solutions to the achievement gap. However, there are a few proven strategies that can Arkansas schools can use to ensure the improved and continued success of children that have traditionally fallen into the achievement gap.
Children who are behind in school tend to have started behind before entering school. Early childhood education programs like quality pre-k have been proven to improve the educational outcomes for all children, especially low-income and minority children. These programs have shown a broad range of benefits including but not limited to: improving a child’s reading, math, and language skills; improving a child’s ability to follow directions and interact with other children; reducing the cost for grade retention or special education programs; and raising high school graduation rates.
Quality before- and after-school and summer programs have been proven to close the educational achievement gap for low-income and minority students. A quality program would include a variety of activities like art and music, physical activities, mentally challenging games and learning opportunities, and interactions with a variety of people and places contribute to learning. These experiences inspire learning, enhance social skills, and help students overcome new challenges. Students who have participated in these programs have higher daily attendance, homework completion, reduction in discipline problems, higher student aspirations for the future, and gains in standardized test scores.
One of the strategies shown to help close the educational achievement gap is Coordinated School Health (CSH), which helps school play a critical role in improving student health which can lead to a child’s improved ability to learn. Schools involved in CSH commit to address the eight components of the CSH model over time: comprehensive health education; physical education; health services; counseling, psychological, and social services; healthy school environment; staff health promotion; and family and community involvement.
Watch our website for upcoing reports on school health initiatives and an analysis of state National School Lunch Act money.