Achievement gaps exist when groups of students with relatively equal ability do not achieve in school at the same levels. In fact, one group often far exceeds the achievement levels of others. Achievement gaps may be based on race or ethnicity, income levels, language background, disability status, and gender.

NEA members are working to improve achievement for all students and close the achievement gaps, particularly for low-income and minority students.

Asian Americans' academic success?
A groundbreaking report challenges long-held beliefs about Asian American and Pacific Islander students' academic success. Read more in  Facts, Not Fiction: Setting the Record Straight. From National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE).

Diversity toolkit
NEA's online Diversity Toolkit (2008) is an educator's guide to tools and resources that foster inclusion in the classroom and workplace. It provides basic information, a short list of strategies and tools, and suggestions for how to find out more.

Read also
Becoming a Culturally Competent Educator

Research linked to recommendations for closing achievement gaps
Two prominent scholars from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA present their papers:

» Gary Orfield's Race and Schools: The Need for Action

» Patricia Gándara's The Crisis in the Education of Latino Students