Idea

Hypothesis of Pre-School Origins for the Achievement Gap

A significant question in achievement gap research is whether contributing problems originate before children begin formal education. This hypothesis suggests that factors in early childhood, such as disparities in language exposure and parent-child interactions, are fundamental to observed academic gaps. Seminal research by psychologists Betty Hart and Todd Risley provides strong evidence for this idea by demonstrating a significant 'word gap' between children from different income levels before they enter school.

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Updated 2025-09-28

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