Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

This paper will identify causes of educational disparities, such as, racism, capitalism and residential segregation. Educational disparity is defined as, unequal distribution of financial and supportive resources across racial and economic lines from K-12 (American Psychological Association, Presidential Task Force on Educational Disparities, 2012; Greenstone, et al., 2012; Institute of Medicine, 2001), that are required to facilitate competitive learning environments for minorities. Theoretical frameworks of Critical Race Theory and Marketplace Theory will assist in providing a more concise descriptive understanding on how these factors impact disparities in education for non-whites in America. The theoretical frameworks will provide support to the foundation of these causes and assist in understanding why these factors still play an integral role in educational disparities today. An examination of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB), a policy intended to address these factors, as well as the implications and gaps within the policies will be discussed. Lastly, this paper will propose policy recommendations, which are designed to enhance the intended results of the aforementioned policy. The paper will conclude with a recap of the social issue and best policy implication practices to help mitigate the social problem.