Over the last two years my tutoring company, Educational Connections (ectutoring.com), has had the pleasure of partnering with the Higher Achievement Program in D.C. Higher Achievement’s mission is to develop academic skills and attitudes in academically motivated and underserved middle school children to improve their grades, test scores, attendance, and opportunities – resulting in acceptance to college preparatory high schools. Our tutors prepare their 8th grade scholars for the Secondary School Admission Test, which is a required entrance exam for many private high schools.  Most rewarding to me, my staff, and our teachers, is the positive contribution we make to helping close the achievement gap. Read on for a great interview with Marcus Gray, Director of Higher Achievement Scholar Services. His words inspire me – and I hope you!

Q: What does the phrase “achievement gap” mean to you?
A: The achievement gap refers to the observed disparity between the academic performance of groups of students, especially groups defined by gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and socioeconomic status. The achievement gap can be observed on a variety of measures, including standardized test scores, grade point average, dropout rates, and college-enrollment and -completion rates.

Q: What is Higher Achievement doing to address the achievement gap?
A: Higher Achievement envisions a world where young people have access to resources and opportunities that enable them to elect their academic futures. We provide a yearround academic enrichment program that serves students during a critical transition period: middle school. Since 1975, Higher Achievement has touched the lives of more than 10,000 students. Our program improves test scores, grades, and attitudes. These changes lead to impressive results:

• Students enter our program at an average GPA of 2.3, and graduate in four yearswith an average of 3.8.
• 98% of our scholars are accepted into college preparatory high schools.
• Recently, 100% of our scholars improved standardized test scores by an average of 20%.

Q: What changes do you foresee in the next 5 years?
A: In a just world, a program that produces these kinds of results would be available in all communities across the nation. Economic and social backgrounds would not matter, and there would be equal access to opportunities and resources that help ensure academic success for all children. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. In fact, academic achievement gaps persist, and many students, especially those in poor and distressed communities, lack access to needed support and to opportunities for success. Higher
Achievement seeks to level the playing field by providing high-quality programs that almost ensure success for students who are willing to invest their time and effort. Our hope is that within five years our programs in conjunction with other social initiatives will make a dent in leveling that playing field.

Q: You mentioned that the road to success is paved not only by academic achievement, but by the way in which students use their knowledge. Can you tell us about that?
A: Helping students become scholars is only part of Higher Achievement’s purpose.  Another important aspect of our program and our culture is the belief in and the practice of social justice. Two guiding principles help us fulfill our vision.

First, we embrace the proven fact that it is during the middle school years that underserved students experience significant academic decline. Following the decline is the inability to get back on track and students end up on the hopeless road of underperformance that winds throughout school and then into adult life. Higher Achievement addresses this problem by dramatically reversing the academic decline,
improving upon overall academic performance, and instilling the confidence that drives achievement and success.

Second, we recognize our responsibility to develop our scholars’ understanding of social justice issues and help them discern their place in the world. We want our scholars to be smart, but we also want them to be able to use their intelligence, abilities, and resources for the overall good of society. As we educate a cadre of scholars who move on to top high schools, colleges, and professional careers, we also help build a society of men and women who believe in giving back to their communities. Our scholars, with Higher Achievement’s support and encouragement, seek to ensure that doors of opportunity remain open for others and that doors open even wider for future generations.

Q: What does social justice mean?
A: At Higher Achievement, we regularly ask ourselves – what does social justice mean?  It means we help bridge two major gaps: the achievement gap in underserved communities and an ever-widening gap in civil society. By helping students become the scholars they were meant to be, we practice a measure of social justice for our students and their families. By teaching our students what it means to live in a just society, we help create a new generation who will continually strive for a society that is equitable, more productive, and better overall.

For more information, visit www.higherachievement.org.

Ann is a board member of the International Dyslexia Association and CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and is the author of the upcoming book Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Hassle-Free Homework.