Ancillary 9: How Countries Across the Globe Deal with the Gap in Opportunity
In my research I examined how other countries deal with the achievement gap within education, including how other countries rank in achievement compared to the U.S., and why? In an article by Libby Nelson a study called the OECD is explained, and the US notably ranks very far below average compared to other countries in ‘resiliency’, which is OECD’s category for the rate of how low-income or low opportunity students are able to perform successfully. Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, and Singapore rank at the very top. Another article by Marc Tucker discusses that this is due to the differing mindset that these countries possess. That the U.S allows failure, and dropping out to be an option for students, and therefore that is why it occurs. In my WP3 I largely discussed how more multicultural curriculums could increase engagement and representation for students of color, along with increasing expectations of these groups. Tucker emphasizes that expectations are a key component of why students with low opportunity in the United States see low achievement, as self-fulfilling prophecies occur. While high opportunity areas in the U.S see much higher expectations , and higher achievement rate. The mindset of schools is at the heart of why the achievement gap exists. According to the OECD the U.S. ranks very high in its achievement gap, but has a much smaller gap in income than some of the countries that rank the highest in resiliency.
Other solutions to the gap that these countries have implemented include higher income areas being mandated to help out lower income areas. Along with any students who begin to fall behind, automatically will recieve extra help. Where oftentimes here in the U.S. true help is only provided to those who reach for it, or those who have the opportunity to receive it. Furthermore in the top ranking countries teachers are paid more, and the teacher salary is equal across low and high income communities, which is not the case largely throughout the United States. This can ensure that teacher quality is much more balanced across communities when the pay is regulated. Ultimately I learned so much about other policies acorss the globe that contribute to better education systems, and I believe that the U.S. has a lot to learn.
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/02/us-asia-education-differences/471564/
https://www.vox.com/2014/7/8/5878885/oecd-study-on-equity-and-outcomes-in-education
