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Teaching Values Won't Close the Achievement Gap


The lack of achievement is a major issue in schools. DeVos is not clear here, but what she implying is that the low test scores in both Math and Reading. However, this is not the term used in education - the more common term is called the Achievement Gap.

The Achievement Gap is the gap between the highest achieving kids and the lowest achieving kids. There are many MANY reasons why this occurs:

  • Schools: low expectations, lack of rigor, unsafe environment, poor or undemanding curriculum
  • Community: lack of healthcare or social services, lack of access to cultural or educational centers (museums/libraries), lack of childcare
  • Teachers: uncertified or inexperienced teachers, lack of cultural sensitivity, inadequate materials
  • Background: income level, health during mom's pregnancy, diet/nutrition, primary language skills
  • Student-related factors: interest in school, level of effort, responsibility in their learning. 
  • Family support: time/abilities of parents or family members to help students
The NEA has studied the achievement gap has not identified values (or lack there-of) as a cause of the achievement gap. What she may be describing is creating a more kind/supportive school environment. 

However, many schools already teach values - private religious schools teach the Bible which is filled with a framework of values. Public schools teach anti-bullying and tolerance through supplemented curriculum.

DeVos' claim that the teaching of values will, alone, improve the achievement gap, is ignorant. There are many many reasons that a child is falling behind that need to be addressed first.

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