Dylan IngalsbeThe GapAccording to the Glossary of Education Reform, an achievement gap is defined as "any significant and persistent disparity in academic achievement or achievement between different groups of students” (Great Schools Partnership). In the United States, the achievement gap between students from high- and low-income families is far too wide. Simply put, the income gap is where students from less wealthy families, at the 10th percentile, are much worse off than children from wealthy families, at the 90th percentile. A Stanford University study indicates that between 1976 and 2001, the income gap between high-income and low-income families widened and, as a result, the achievement gap widened. also expanded (Reardon, Stanford University, 9). According to a 2012 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) study, 50.9 percent of low-income students who graduated from high school attended a 2- to 4-year college, compared to 58.4 percent. % in 2007 (Desilver). Here, it is evident that the gap is only widening over time. This also assumes they even graduate from high school. According to another NCES study, 7.4 percent of low-income students dropped out of high school in 2009, 5 times more than the number of high-income students who dropped out (Chapman, 18). The grip of the achievement gap on the American education system is particularly pervasive in California. According to a study by the organization Innovate Public Schools, in Silicon Valley, about 43 percent of fourth graders are proficient in algebra. However, only 23% of low-income students in Silicon Valley meet this standard (Jacobs 3). This means that 74% of these low-income students will not be able to take calculus-level math courses by senior year and will be less able...... middle of article.... ..ition known as chronic stress (ASCD, Chapter 2). This stress faced by low-income students can lead to various obstacles that harm their academic performance. According to the ASCD, chronic stress is known to impair students' concentration and attention. (ASCD, Chapter 2) This means that low-income students will be more likely to not pay attention during class or when the teacher is teaching. Additionally, this behavior is generally not considered "good" behavior for students, but it will impact the student's test scores. In this way, the effect of the achievement gap due to low-income students' stress and inability to concentrate in school will cause low-income students' test scores to decline. This shows a potential explanation for why low-income students perform poorly compared to high-income students...