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Date Available
6-22-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Graduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Master of Public Administration
College
Graduate School
Department/School/Program
Public Administration
Faculty
Ronald Zimmer
Committee Member
Rajeev Darolia
Faculty
JS Butler
Abstract
Disparities in high-level academic achievement – known as excellence gaps – remain a persistent equity challenge in K–12 education, particularly in access to advanced mathematics learning. This study examines school-level practices associated with narrower excellence gaps in Kentucky public schools. Principals of schools demonstrating higher-than-expected advanced achievement and relatively small gaps by gender and economic status were invited to semi-structured interviews. The interviews cover seven schools, spanning grade levels and other characteristics. Guided by the Excellence Gap Intervention Model, a hybrid inductive–deductive thematic analysis reveals that narrower excellence gaps are not driven by isolated programs or policy mandates, but by coherent systems that integrate early academic preparation, flexible ability grouping, embedded teacher professional learning, growth-oriented accountability, psychosocial supports, and reduced barriers to advanced coursework. Across contexts, successful schools emphasized access and readiness over gatekeeping and cultivated cultures that reinforce student confidence, persistence, and belonging. The findings suggest that efforts to reduce excellence gaps are most effective when policies and practices are aligned around a shared belief in student potential. The study concludes with policy-relevant recommendations for Kentucky that focus on strengthening existing levers, including financial support, community partnerships, and guidance on grouping and acceleration, rather than introducing new standalone initiatives.
Recommended Citation
Bartlett, Jimmy M. W. and Hurley, Johnathan K., "Narrowing the K-12 Excellence Gap in Kentucky Schools: Lessons on High Achievement from High Achievers" (2026). MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects. 472.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/mpampp_etds/472
