Closing the Achievement Gap: An Analysis of Equity-Based Educational Interventions

Abstract

The ongoing differences in academic performance and outcomes between student groups represents a significant problem for educators worldwide. As a possible remedy, equity-based educational interventions have been receiving more and more attention for their focus on removing the structural impediments that contribute to the achievement gap. The purpose of this research is to analyze how well equity-based educational interventions reduce the gap in academic performance. The research technique included both a literature review and case studies of three schools that had already implemented equity-based educational interventions. Schools were chosen as case studies because of their track records of success in reducing the achievement gap through the implementation of various equity-based initiatives. When implemented with fidelity and supported by good leadership and a positive school culture, the results of this study demonstrate that equity-based educational interventions can be beneficial in reducing the achievement gap. Significant gains in student achievement and school atmosphere, as well as improved participation and engagement from traditionally underrepresented student populations, were observed in the case study schools. A lack of resources and support, resistance to change, and the complexity of tackling structural disparities were all highlighted as obstacles to the successful implementation of equity-based interventions in the study. These results stress the importance of continuing to work for equity-based interventions and to guarantee that all children have access to the tools and opportunity they need to achieve.