WHAT ARE THE RESPONSES?

Across the nation, schools are attempting to close the achievement gap through technology, curricula, or various in- or out-of-school programs. Some high schools have focused on boosting minority enrollment in college-level courses, for example, while others have expanded bilingual courses to help new students learning English. On a macro level, some states have opted for wide-reaching solutions such as boosting funding for select student groups like American Indians to provide targeted resources, supports, and programs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

Many of these programs and interventions claim they are closing the performance gap, but such boasts are not always backed up with convincing data. As schools roll out reforms and new programs, reporters should question claims and try to parse their impact on particular student groups – especially those that are most behind. Scrutinize data from dual enrollment programs and partnerships with local colleges to see if those programs are improving graduation or college-going rates. There may be improvement for some targeted groups but not for others.