Addressing the education achievement gap

Parents can be part of the solution

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELSEY ROSETH

Many of us have read in the newspaper or heard on local TV news that the achievement gap is closing in Minnesota. Statewide, high school students are graduating at a record rate, and the graduation rates for students of colors continue to grow. This is good news for local parents, as achievement gap improvements can positively impact your child.

Explaining The Achievement Gap

Simply put, the achievement gap refers to significant disparities in academic performance between different groups of students. Often, comparisons are made between reading proficiency or graduation rates of higher-income and lower-income students, or white students and students of color.

“[The achievement gap] measures how well our school districts educate different groups of students,” said William Howes, coordinator for Duluth Public Schools’ Office of Education Equity. “It’s a key piece of meeting the educational needs of all students. It’s vitally important.”

As an example, Duluth Public Schools’ 2016-17 graduation rates reflect that white students have an 80.41 percent graduation rate, while black students were at 36.84 percent, and American Indian students had a 54.84 percent graduation rate. Asian students’ graduation rate was at 83.33 percent, while Hispanic students had a graduation rate of 73.68 percent.

As a further comparison, Duluth East’s graduation rate was 92.94 percent, while Duluth Denfeld’s was 80.36. The district had an overall graduation rate of 76.04 percent, and data reflect an 82.68 percent statewide graduation rate. Importantly, data from 2016-17 shows the reading proficiency of students, district-wide, is 64.7 percent, up about eight percent from 2012-13.

Working To Close The Gap

Work is being done on multiple levels to address the achievement gap in Duluth Public Schools. For example, the district is looking at discipline practices to ensure its not disproportionate in suspending students. It’s also training teachers to address the needs of students impacted by the achievement gap.

“We’re in the beginning stages of defining what culturally responsible curriculum and instruction looks like,” said Amy Starzecki, assistant superintendent of schools for Duluth Public Schools. “It’s really about student engagement and making sure students have a voice.”

To close the gap, Starzecki said the most influential work takes place in the classroom between teachers and their students. To make a greater impact, the district recently created the C.A.R.E. Academy, which provides new professional development offerings for teachers.

This is your opportunity to apply for enrollment for your child, Kindergarten8th grade. Students applying for kindergarten must be five years old by September 1, 2018, and Minnesota residents. First grade applicants must be at least six years of age on September 1, 2018, and Minnesota residents. An exception to the age requirement may be made if the student has completed kindergarten.

For more information and an application, call 218-728-9556 Ext. 5006, or apply online at www.duluthedison.org.

“[It] stands for culture, abilities, resiliency and engagement,” Howes said. “A National Education Association report from 2011 identifies those as the four key areas for addressing the achievement gap.”

The C.A.R.E. Academy kicked off this school year, and 47 teachers are participating in the 3-year plan. Initially, during the first year, teachers go through intensive training. In the remaining two years of training, they’re provided resources and support. The C.A.R.E. Academy will continue to train up to 64 additional teachers per school year, provided funding continues from the Achievement and Integration for Minnesota program.

“The number one factor that influences student engagement is the teacher in front of the student,” Starzecki said. “That staff development for teachers is critical.”

In addition to the C.A.R.E. Academy, each principal has the flexibility to address the achievement gaps present in their own school. For example, there’s a “Check and Connect” program at Denfeld, in which a trained mentor works with students and their families. The program works to enhance engagement by building relationships between schools and families. Denfeld also developed a model for ninth-grade students, building time into the curriculum for relationship development between teachers and students.

“We know that ninth grade is a pivotal year for students graduating,” Starzecki said.

Why The Achievement Gap Matters

Increasing the success of all students is beneficial for our entire community, as the achievement gap doesn’t affect only minorities and those from different social classes. Howes said that data tracking the quality of life, health disparities, housing, income and incarceration rates show that making improvements to the achievement gap is critical for building a successful community.

“The higher rates of literacy or college readiness for the greatest number of students, that adds to the quality of life for a community and community members,” Howes said.

How To Help Your Child And Community

Starzecki and Howes recommend starting a conversation with your child, discussing how to be mindful to the needs of others. If your child can notice when other students are feeling unsafe or unwelcome, it can go a long way to helping that student succeed.

It’s vital to remember that most students struggle in at least one area, such as reading or math proficiency. While the Duluth Public School District is working to address those disparities in the classroom, it recommends parents get involved to further increase the chance of their child’s success.

“Making sure you reach out to classroom teachers and ask questions,” Starzecki said. “Meet with the teacher and ask about what’s happening in the classroom.”

The pair encourages parents to have high expectations for your child and the school, and they recommend setting aside dedicated time to address the areas where your child may be struggling. For example, if reading is challenging for your child, develop a routine where they can read what they want to each night. In addition, ensuring your child has a well-balanced diet, plenty of sleep, regular exercise and participates in co-curricular activities also increases their likelihood of success.

— MDT