An Eliminating the Achievement Gap task force was formed during the 2006/2007 school year, composed of community members, school and district employees, and parents, to ensure the District’s progress annually (see attached member list). The task force provides a multifaceted perspective and approach, while soliciting input and facilitating action regarding the achievement gap. Comparative data reflecting performance, participation in higher level courses and college entrance exams, and the graduation rate are used to determine discrepancies in achievement. To address the achievement gap, the task force identified 5 key areas to focus on and developed the attached Plan of Work.

A work group was established for each of the 5 key areas, and the lead facilitators are listed below.

• Early Childhood and Language Acquisition – Evelyn McFadden, Supervisor, Head Start Programs, and Lisa Bellock, Supervisor, Kindergarten
• Parent Leadership – Velia Pedrero, Supervisor, Parent and Community Involvement
• Student-Led Conferencing – Barbara Hancock, General Director, Elementary Education, and Jamalya Jackson, Supervisor, Staff Development
• Preparation for Postsecondary Experiences – David Steele, General Director, Secondary Education, and Eric Bergholm, General Director, Advanced Academic Access
• Accountability – Debbie Rodgers, Administrator on Special Assignment, School Improvement and Accountability, and Shelly Curcio, District Resource Teacher, School Improvement

While there is much work to be done, the districtwide efforts to eliminate the achievement gap are indicating positive results as shown on the attachment.