Educator Diversity Crucial for Closing Achievement Gap

 The so-called achievement gap has drawn widespread attention in the field of education. Schools with a large number of minority students from disadvantaged backgrounds often perform poorly on state assessment tests. Many believe that closing the gap will require a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic problems at every level. Some educators say that minority students would be far more likely to achieve success with only one change: hiring more minority teachers.

Minority groups are often poorly represented on school faculties, even in districts and schools where the majority of students are minorities. For instance, while 28 percent of Minnesota’s students come from minority populations, only 4 percent of its teachers are minorities. Minority teachers advocating for change have suggested policies aimed at encouraging minority students to become teachers themselves. The solution to this situation will likely require action at every level of academia, ranging from school districts to the federal government.