What does the term "achievement gap" refer to?

The term "achievement gap" refers to the disparity in educational performance among different groups of students, particularly those defined by socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and other demographic factors. It highlights the differences in academic outcomes, such as test scores and graduation rates, that exist between these groups. Understanding the achievement gap is crucial for educators and policymakers because it illuminates disparities in educational equity and can guide targeted interventions and strategies to support students who may be facing barriers to academic success. This focus on performance underscores the necessity of addressing the factors that contribute to these gaps to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.

Other options describe different aspects of education. For example, the difference in academic content across grades pertains to curriculum design, educational funding reflects financial disparities between schools, and attendance rates deal with student engagement. While these factors may influence the achievement gap, they do not directly define it.