The Gap

In this weeks reading, there was a lot of discussion about Common Core being the solution to closing the achievement gap between low income and high income students. Moreover, the instructional gap between educators and the methodology behind teaching math. Upon reading and watching the video, I don’t feel that the Common Core standards are necessarily the solution to closing the achievement gap between these two groups of students. There are too many variables to consider as to why American students are so behind the rest of the world in math. For example, environment, house hold structure, extra curricular activities, attendance, resources, etc.. The problem only becomes bigger when students reach the high school level and have not acquired the skills needed to execute the complexity of advanced math. Students from all backgrounds struggle with this, hence, the lack of proficiency. In regards to instruction proficiency by teachers and the gap between a highly effective educator versus a non-effective educator, I agree with the video. The problem is the way in which math is being presented to students. In America, we do a lot of teaching to the test versus teaching students to master mathematical skills. If we focused on teaching mastery of skills and inspiring students to stick with problems longer, we would see an improvement in their learning outcomes. The mindset, expectations, and methodology must change for a difference to be made.

When Zimba was first hired to help write a new set of K-12 math standards in 2009, the groups behind the Common Core — including representatives from 48 states — set very ambitious goals. The tough new guidelines would match the expectations set for students in higher-performing rivals like Singapore and South Korea. The standards would not only catapult American students ahead of other developed nations, but would also help close the gaps between low-income students in the U.S. and their wealthier counterparts.

The Common Core would drive publishers and test makers to create better curricula and better tests, and push school districts and teachers to aim for excellence, not just basic proficiency, for their students. And the guidelines would arm every principal, teacher and parent with the knowledge of exactly what it takes to get into college and succeed.




“We don’t have an achievement gap in this country,” said Leinwand. “We have an instructional gap.”