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Essay On Achievement Gap

Decent Essays

A widespread issue for Americans, the achievement gap is a significant inequality that young minorities face. Directly correlated with the societal injustices of poverty and racism, often resulting in limited opportunities and socioeconomic stagnation, the achievement gap encompasses the disparity in education performance of students by race and income. As the basic values of a democratic government include justice and liberty, it is imperative that a democracy and democratic citizens provide equal opportunity for all, especially in the realm of education. A democratic government should respond to the achievement gap issue by not only addressing educational inequality, but also structural injustices that often affect minorities. As a result …show more content…

Especially related to educational achievement, citizens must prevent and be cognizant of personal prejudice and stereotyping, in addition to raising awareness of racist policies and institutionalized predispositions against minorities. While it is difficult for one citizen to make a difference, an individual can address inequalities by participating in governmental events such as town hall meetings, conventions, and most importantly voting for political parties that prioritize helping minority communities and the impoverished. Additionally, with the right to speak freely, a democratic citizen can organize with others to raise awareness and influence the government to support their agenda of lowering the achievement gap. Lastly, a true democratic citizen will act for the common good, volunteering for students and families in need of support to make a helpful impact in the community instead of waiting for government action. Though unable to completely influence a democracy alone, individual citizens have many avenues to implement change through awareness, political participation, and community

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