Publication Date
7-1-2007
Summary
Current explanations for the achievement gap do not fully explain why high-achieving poor and minority children perceive of college as being out of reach. This paper reviews perspectives on the achievement gap and proposes a model that incorporates a capabilities and assets approach. The uneven playing field created by unequal distribution of assets sustains educational advantage and high expectations for college among children from families with assets, while dampening expectations for college among poor and minority children. As a possible avenue to closing the gap, we suggest that increasing poor and minority children’s capability for financing college may increase educational engagement and the likelihood that they will expect to attend college.
Document Type
Working Paper
Category
Financial Inclusion
Subarea
Financial Capability
Original Citation
Elliott, W., III, & Sherraden, M. S. (2007). The achievement gap from a capabilities and asset perspective (CSD Working Paper No. 07-10). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
Project
I Can Save
Keywords
academic achievement, low income, assets, college expectations, college enrollment, asset ownership, asset accumulation, child savings, college savings
Recommended Citation
Elliott, W., III, & Sherraden, M. S. (2007). The achievement gap from a capabilities and asset perspective (CSD Working Paper No. 07-10). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7CC106H