From The Conversation · David Blazar · · 1m 10s
Schools Help Close Gaps But Wealthier Kids Still Pull Ahead
Schools narrow achievement gaps but wealthier children keep widening the divide.
In brief
Schools narrow achievement gaps but wealthier children keep widening the divide. Schools help low-income students catch up but wealthier children still pull ahead in academic skills by kindergarten. Originally reported by The Conversation.
Early Investment Gaps
Children from poorest families receive $44,000 less in investments than richest by age 5.
Schools Cut Investment Gaps
Schools narrow the gap between rich and poor children by half by kindergarten entry.
Black Children Benefit Most
Black children see the biggest reduction in investment gaps after starting school.
Tutoring Helps Catch Up
Low-income students get 72% more tutoring than high-income peers to close gaps.
Pandemic Worsened Gaps
Students in high-poverty districts still trail wealthier districts by more than pre-pandemic levels.
Wealthier Kids Get Ahead
Wealthier children receive more experienced teachers and enrichment activities.
Childcare Costs Grow
Richest 10% spend 13 times more per child on childcare than poorest quarter by 2024.
Schools Not Enough
More catch-up help won't close gaps without addressing early investment differences.
What Happens Next
Schools need to address early investment gaps to close achievement gaps by kindergarten.
The big picture
Schools help low-income students catch up but wealthier children still pull ahead in academic skills by kindergarten.
