"Beginning with a remarkably comprehensive and accessible analysis of the gap's causes, the book offers a refreshingly balanced, evidence-based, state-of-the-art outline of productive solutions that should inform the work of all educational stakeholders." -Ken Leithwood, Professor OISE/University of Toronto "No one is better positioned than Joseph Murphy to provide lessons for education leaders on this important topic." -Andrew Porter, George and Diane Weiss Professor of Education University of Pennsylvania "For too long, the achievement gap has been proclaimed, discussed, and then dismissed as a subject of despair. Seldom has it been systematically defined, placed in historical perspective, or positively addressed. Through thorough scholarship, comprehensive knowledge, and creativity, this book fills that void." -James W. Guthrie, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Educational Leadership and Public Policy Vanderbilt University "While offering no simple pathway to progress, this book reminds us how much more we can do to close achievement gaps." -Michael S. Knapp, Director Center for the Study of Teaching & Policy, University of Washington Discover what research says about the achievement gap and what educators can do to close it! Distinguished researcher Joseph Murphy has gathered and analyzed the most up-to-date research and data to help school leaders understand what the achievement gap is, why it persists, and what educators can do about it. This comprehensive handbook: Examines external factors that contribute to achievement gaps, such as socioeconomic status, family environment, racism, and individual differences Covers internal factors such as instruction, school culture, and school support Provides strategies for addressing both internal and external factors to make an impact

About the Author Part I. Background 1. Bringing Achievement Gaps Into Focus 2. Portraying and Tracking Achievement Gaps Part II. Grinding Up Hope: Explaining the Development of Achievement Gaps Introduction Environment 3. An Introduction 4. Socioeconomic Status 5. Family Environment 6. Community, Racism, and Individual Differences 7. Out-of-School Learning Experiences Schooling 8. Instructional Program 9. School Culture, Structure, and Support Part III. Opening the Doors of Possibility: Strategies for Closing Achievement Gaps Introduction 10. Focusing on the Social and Economic Environment 11. A Focus on Schooling References Index