Exploring Student Achievement Gap in School Districts Across America

• In Event: 34.050 - Boundaries and Borders: The Political and Social Context of Segregation and Spatial Inequality

Abstract

The achievement gap along racial and socioeconomic lines has long been a concern. This study examines factors that contribute to achievement gaps between White and African American students in school districts across the US. Using pooled data across five school years (2008-2013), descriptive, correlational, and multiple linear regressions were used to explore factors related to achievement gaps. Results indicate economic inequality, racial inequality, and household adult education are strongly associated with student achievement gap. After adjusting for racial and economic inequalities, household adult education remained as the most significant factor. Findings demonstrate adult education need to be a focus to close achievement gap. In other words, there remains a racial ‘geography of opportunity’ in school districts where we find gaps.

Authors

• Man Hung, University of Utah

• William A. Smith, University of Utah

• Maren Wright Voss, University of Utah

• Jeremy D. Franklin, University of Utah

• Yushan Gu, University of Utah

• Jerry Bounsanga, University of Utah