Academic Gap What are the causes of the achievement gap between upper income and lower and middle income students? For instance, why are upper income students better prepared for school? Fact is middle and lower income students lack access to resources, and are not all grown up in a college going culture. Middle and lower income students are not as prepared academically to succeed in a highly selective college, nor do low income students have the resources to succeed in school as do upper income students have.
A significant reason to this academic gap is the lack of stability low-income students have. Many households can be unstable environments. Creating challenges for students to get to school and having an area at home that is conducive to learning. Students that are not stable don't have the opportunity to form enduring connections. They are likely to experience lower achievement levels and are at high-risk for dropping out. Without having stability, lower and middle income student’s chances in succeeding in school is slim. I know as a lower income student I have experience in not being stable. My senior year in high school I moved twice and I can say that effected my academics. I lost focus on my school work in adjusting in my new surroundings.
In the article, “No Rich Child Left Behind” by Sean F. Reardon, he states, “The academic gap is widening because rich students are increasingly entering kindergarten much better prepared to succeed in school than middle-class students.” (91) With that said, Middle and lower income students have the odds against them. One of the significant reasons why, is middle and lower income students lack preparation. Some students of lower income families do not come from a college going culture but a culture to provide for the household. As a middle income student, I can say from experience that I was not raised in a college going atmosphere. Both my parents chose the military instead of college. Many lower and middle income students come from a well-rounded family but college not being a priority in their up bring as to where upper class children are exposed to a family who has successfully completed college.
Therefore, middle and lower income students are raised usually by parents that are working two jobs, either day or night or both, taking them away from their children. Many of these parents, and their children, believe college is unattainable, both financially and academically. These parents aren’t devoting their time to their children to develop academically. Therefore, the attention that lower income students receive is nowhere near the amount an upper class income student receives based on these circumstances. “High-income families are increasingly focusing their resources, their money, time and knowledge of what it takes to be successful in school.” (91) With that said from Reardon’s article “No Rich Child Left Behind”, Upper class families have the advantage. Upper class families develop the time and effort to helping their child succeed as they did. Many middle and lower income students do not have the one on one time with their parents discussing ways to better themselves