ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Achievement gap

Hey kiddo, do you know that school is a big part of our lives? Well, some kids do better in school than others, and that's why we have something called the "achievement gap."

Now, imagine a big race with all the kids in your class. Some kids run faster and finish the race before others. That's kind of like the achievement gap. It's the difference between how well some kids do in school, and how well others do.

But it's not just about how well kids do on one test or one assignment. It's about the big picture. Some kids have bigger challenges outside of school that make it harder for them to get good grades. It could be things like not having enough food or a safe place to live, or not having access to good books or a quiet place to study.

That's why schools and communities work to close the achievement gap. They want all kids to have the same opportunities to learn and succeed, no matter their background or circumstances. Teachers work hard to understand each student's unique needs and help them reach their full potential. And everyone can help by supporting programs that help kids in need and promote equal access to education.