The SAT assessment measures student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards. An achievement gap on a test like the SAT is evident when one group of students outperforms another group, and the average scores indicate a significant difference between the groups that persists over time. If a subgroup has fewer than 10 students, no comparison data will be shown. This is done to protect student privacy.

Schools and districts that are narrowing achievement gaps share four key characteristics.

• Focus – clear and consistent goals, strategies, and leadership

• Rigorous curriculum – clearly defined, high expectations for student learning

• High quality teaching

• Necessary and frequent interventions to improve students’ learning

• Achievement Gaps

• Understanding the Gaps - Who Are We Leaving Behind and How Far?

• Common Core State Standards: The Achievement Gap - National Association of Scholars

• Rethinking the Achievement Gap - Graduate School of Education Penn State University