Issues with the literacy gap

Research shows that the literacy gap affects achievement and there is a gap between several groups of students including wealthy and poor students, white and minority students, and girls and boys. Typically, wealthy students score higher in literacy because of the resources that they have available such as books at home and access to nutritional breakfast. Throughout American history there has been a gap between white students and minority students because early in American history minorities were not allowed to read. Content area vocabulary and lack of access to books increases the gap between white and minority students. Around the world there is a gap between boys and girls in reading. Studies have found that boys do not perform as well as girls in literacy. There are many solutions that can help narrow the literacy gap between all groups of students. Common Core State Standards are a start towards narrowing the gap. Excellent teachers are necessary in helping boys, minorities, and poor students become better readers. Vocabulary instruction, healthy breakfast, physical activity, access to books, text interest, and text choices are factors that will improve achievement and therefore narrow the literacy gap. Because literacy is a basic necessity in education, narrowing the gap will increase achievement in all subject areas.