Why Achievement Gap Mania Isn't Cost-Free
by Frederick M. Hess • Sep 23, 2011 at 8:05 am
Cross-posted from Education Week
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ShareAs I noted yesterday, my National Affairs essay "Our Achievement Gap Mania" has stirred some conversation. Let's take a moment to address those who've asked, "Rick, why are you trying to stir up trouble? There are no losers here!"
Proponents of the gap-closing gospel cheerfully assure us that everybody wins. Education Trust vice president Amy Wilkins has rejected as a "false choice" the notion "that we have to make a choice as a country between equity and excellence. Our policies need to marry both." That's a swell aspiration. Unfortunately, I think the evidence suggests that focusing our attention and finite resources on some children will frequently come at the expense of others. Now, it may very well be that we should choose to focus them on gap-closing. At the least,
