Eliminating the "Achievement Gap"

By Shane McLoud

Shane McLoud's top priority will be to eliminate the "achievement gap" in our schools.

Students coming from families of low socio-economic status are usually at a disadvantage at many levels, including: the inability to pay for academic resources and tutoring; parental ability (time and education level) to assist with class work and homework; mastery of the English language; and the ability to provide the resources that contribute to academic success (such as rich supply of books and internet/ computer access.)

These students should receive extra academic attention in order to ensure they are performing at grade level and above. When they cannot perform at grade level, they, as well as all students who perform below grade level, need additional resources and academic attention such as more tutoring, counseling and an individualized education plan that is coordinated with a greater participation of the parents.