Technology and the Achievement Gap in Fairfax County, Virginia
This study analyzed the progress of the Virginia Electronic Standards of Learning Technology Initiative and Fairfax County Public Schools as a model for incorporating technology into the curriculum. The study's goal was to see if the implementation of technology in the classroom and in assessments closes the achievement gap between whites and African-Americans in Fairfax County, Virginia. Upon completion of this study, it was discovered that more data is needed to draw conclusions about the progress of the eSOL initiative and current curriculum reform in closing the achievement gap between African-Americans and whites. With various programs and other initiatives being enacted in the county and Commonwealth, it is possible with further research to find out which programs have a greater impact on the students. Additionally, staffing and policy changes due to the requirements of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 will be important to study upon continuation of this project.
School:
North Carolina A&T State University
Department:
Liberal Studies
Research Advisor:
James D. Anderson
Department of Research Advisor:
Educational Policy Studies
Year of Publication:
2006