What Is the Meaning of Knowledge Deficit?
An analysis of public schools and standardized testing scores of school-aged children in the U.S. has created concern for the diminished abilities and poor performance in the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics. This has put a spotlight on knowledge deficits.
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What is a Knowledge Deficit?
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The term knowledge deficit refers to the gap between what is expected of a student of a certain age and grade, versus the actual performance and knowledge related to a topic. It also refers to inequities or insufficient abilities in the learning process associated with school-aged children. The inability to read at an appropriate age or grade level would be considered a knowledge deficit.
Importance of Reading
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E.D. Hirsch's book, "The Knowledge Deficit," explains that a child's reading ability in second grade can be indicative of his reading ability in 11th grade. Reading is a skill that is valued, even well beyond school and into a child's future employment. A knowledge deficit, specifically in reading skills, can have a lasting negative impact through a child's lifetime.
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Contributing Factors
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Hirsch points out that in the 1960s, reading comprehension scores on standardized exams dropped significantly, and have remained low since. Scores for reading are low across the board, but the knowledge deficit is even more pronounced for Hispanic and African American children, who score 25 to 30 points lower than their Caucasian counterparts in reading comprehension.
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References
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