Achievement Gap in Education

In this post, I want to write about something a little bit more specific to my major. As a music education major, there are many issues in education that I need to grapple with. One of which is the achievement gap between white students and students of color.  When discussing the achievement gap between students of color and white students, there are a variety of issues that will be brought up. The initial response when asked what is causing the achievement gap is often socioeconomic status. On average, people of color are in a lower socioeconomic tier compared to their white counterparts. Students that come from a poor home often have more difficulty in school. Transitively, many students of color will struggle in school as a result. Though this may be the predominant factor in the achievement gap, it does not stop there. Stanford University examined the achievement gap between white students and students of color who came from similar economic backgrounds. Even when in these similar backgrounds, the study found that the achievement gap still existed. This is due to the institutionalized segregation in schools. Though legal segregation has been done away with for decades, there are still mental and physical dividers between students. For example, black students are more isolated in schools than ever before. These predominantly black schools see lower funding and, often consequently, lower test scores. These two factors feed into each other, resulting in a downward spiral in student achievement. At the federal and state levels, not enough is being done to assure that these schools receive proper funding and good, qualified teachers. Teachers also need to make a conscious effort to provide all student with an equitable educational experience. As a music educator, I will make an effort to include all students and provide them with the tools they need to achieve. There is a place for everyone in choir, regardless of their ability, their background, or the color of their skin. There is a distinct need for the representation of all people in every field, music is no exception. I will strive for representation of various ethnicities in repertoire whether it be music of a certain culture or composers of color. It is also important that students of color, and all other students, see people of color striving in the musical field. Providing student with these experiences will help make a step in making education a more inclusive environment. Diversity makes our classrooms better, filled with understanding and acceptance. This inclusion is something all educators must strive for.