Iowa Ideas 2020 replay: Closing the Achievement Gaps

The achievement gap in education is the disparity in academic performance between groups of students. In Iowa, that's students with economic hardship, individualized education plans (IEPs), English as Second Language and Black and Hispanic students. How can we close those gaps? How big of an impact is COVID having? What efforts hold the most promise?

Panelists include: Ryan Wise, Dean of College of Education, Drake University; Justin Blietz, Director of Culture & Climate Transformation, Cedar Rapids Community Schools; Laurie Phelan, Director o f iJAG. Moderator: Grace King, The Gazette.

This session was part of the 2020 Iowa Ideas Conference presented by ITC and held Oct. 15-16, 2020. This session originally occurred at 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2020. The Diversity & Inclusion Track is sponsored by Inclusive ICR and Education Track Sponsor Kirkwood Community College. The two-day conference hosted by The Gazette brings together policymakers, experts and community members passionate about the state's future. For more replays, visit

iowaideas.com.