The real problem in education: the 'opportunity gap' - The Washington Post - 33 views
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hcps-brunsle on 01 Feb 15"In particular, we have failed to build capacity or increase opportunities to learn." This sentence is a good example of why people feel so strongly about fixing opportunity gaps in education and supports their claims that some kids have an unfair disadvantage. Education, in years past, has been thought of as the equalizer, giving opportunities to learn to all kids, no matter their background. Today, people argue that children do not receive the same benefits as a reflection of many issues, not just teaching staff. While in many cases I agree that America is facing an opportunity gap in education driven by child poverty as well as economic and family struggles, I feel that people neglect to notice the strides we have made in education. In Henrico, for example, kids have a chance to attend a high school with a specific 'specialty center' in which the curriculum revolves around a more definitive subject, prepping them for future job or college opportunities. This is something that would never have been available years ago. This article directly relates to my opinion on the discussion question, but in some ways, contradicts it. I do not agree that we have failed to increase opportunities to learn, for instance. The main idea behind this article was that child poverty and poor teaching was the root of opportunity gaps in education. I feel that this is a poor reflection of our school systems because of the many programs we have created to further the education of our children.