Diane Ravitch Closing The Achievement Gap Analysis

In today’s society, the achievement gap continues to exist. Author Diane Ravitch, wrote “The Facts about the Achievement Gap”, an excerpt from her book Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools, published in 2013. Ravitch’s purpose is to convey the idea that closing the achievement gap doesn’t solely rely upon the schooling system. She explains how her argument stems from our unwillingness to improve the conditions of communities and how unconcerned we are about poverty. Ravitch uses enthralling evidence and an academic tone to argue that while the achievement gap is narrowing, it will never close because we aren’t acknowledging or focusing on the root of the problem. In her excerpt, Ravitch establishes that the achievement gap will remain large if we don’t try to figure out how to solve the origin of the gaps. She offers information about the progress different races have made in schools throughout the country. Her data shows that there is a considerable distinction between the African American students and all of the other races learning advancements. Ravitch says, “The achievement gaps remain between …show more content…
She explains that the No Child Left Behind law was made to narrow the achievement gaps. She provides evidence about how important this has been to many people. Ravitch also speaks about lawmakers, legislators, and policy makers and how they thought that testing and accountability would help close the gaps. She shows other people’s views on what they think will solve this achievement gap problem including President George W. Bush. He claimed that if teachers were required by law to have high expectations for all students then all students would learn and meet high standards. Ravitch successfully illustrates the reasons why schooling isn’t the root