Opinion: Teachers Are Focusing Too Much On The “Word Gap.”

In an opinion piece in The Conversation (UK) (10/14, McManus) University of Texas-Austin Ph.D. candidate Molly McManus argues that teachers focusing on the “word gap” between richer and poorer students can be harmful. McManus says that teachers who obsess over the word gap often over emphasize building up vocabulary as a way to improve their students’ academic performance, while neglecting other areas that students need help in. McManus also criticizes teachers who use the word gap as an excuse to have lower expectations for their poorer students and says this kind of thinking can affect how poorer students view themselves. McManus says students should learn through creative activities instead of “factory-like classrooms.”