Closing the Achievement Gap in P-12 Schools by Implementing Advanced Leadership Training and Comprehensive School Counseling Programs

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the perceptions of educators and concerned citizens toward the academic achievement gap in P-12 schools. The participants were school administrators, school teachers, school counselors, parents, and concerned citizens. Those in each category were asked what they perceived to be important to decreasing the academic achievement gap. In addition, space was provided for each to identify what he/she thought would be most effective in decreasing the academic achievement gap and to write comments, suggestions, or concerns regarding the academic achievement gap in P-12 schools. Results of these findings suggest that most educators and citizens are concerned about the academic achievement gap in P-12 schools and they also feel that more can be done to diminish it. Lastly, implications for the implementation of advanced leadership training and comprehensive school counseling programs are explored.