Description:

The way we frame conversations about race has significant implications for future education policies. Talking about “achievement gaps” draws attention solely to the differences between white and black students, which can perpetuate racial stereotypes. Maybe framing the issue as an “opportunity gap” instead would encourage us to consider policies that promote equity and excellence for all.

In this episode, Naomi and Ian are joined by David Quinn, Assistant Professor of Education at the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California. Professor Quinn discusses the value of focusing on opportunity gaps instead of achievement gaps. He also notes the importance of recognizing historical injustices while at the same time understanding the importance of agency in the advancement of learning.

Resources:

Experimental effects of “achievement gap” news reporting on viewers’ racial stereotypes, inequality explanations, and inequality prioritization | David Quinn |Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics

Distance to 100 for everyone vs. closing racial or achievement gaps | Ian Rowe | Eduwonk

Show notes:

00:45 | Problems with the “achievement gap discourse”

06:00 | Framing the issue as an “opportunity gap”

13:20 | Reports on racial test score gaps magnified racial stereotypes

14:50 | Thinking about racial equity in terms of justice

28:30 | The importance of agency for the advancement of learning