USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)
First Advisor
Catherine Wilkins, Ph.D.
Publisher
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
The achievement gap is a phenomenon that has been observed throughout schools in the United States. It often describes and reveals disproportions in test scores and general academic achievement in students intersected with their race and socioeconomic status. In Florida, for example, The Florida Department of Education (2015) measured, as part of their “New School Grades Mode1” where one of their goals was to address the achievement gap, the percentage of student scoring a three or higher on core subject standardized testing in 4th grade students throughout the state. It shows the differences in the achievement of students taking these standardized tests separated by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. Even though 4th grade was measured, this has been observed as a pattern throughout all grade levels affecting student’s future in college and career development.
Therefore, to understand why the Florida curriculum is the way it is, it is imperative to look at the history of the systems in the United States, under the same foundation that created the education system that is still seen today. This is because the United has long used a ‘common’ curriculum, even though state boards change the curriculum for their state, often led by politicians. The history of schooling also directly connects to the documented achievement gap in students due to socioeconomic status and how that is intersected with different identities, especially racial and gender minorities. This can then give insight onto what changes can be implemented to the curriculum to mitigate said achievement gaps documented by lower income schools and their students.
Recommended Citation
Figueredo, Barbara, "Culturally Responsive Curriculum and Achievement Gaps" (2023). USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate).
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/honorstheses/302
Comments
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Honors Program University of South Florida, St. Petersburg April 21, 2023.