Ability and achievement are two things that most people recognize in education.  It is strange how some students have the ability to achieve and will not because they simply do not want too.  I find this to be so ridiculous.   Based on my observation I have learned that many students can do the work but will not and those that are willing to do work will try but, for some reasons, they do not achieve.  I also understand now why there is a discrepancy between ability and achievement.

            While doing student teaching I have observed many students and I have gained knowledge of their different behaviors.  For instance, some students will act as if they don’t know the answers to fit in and some just will not do the work.  Some students enter the class preoccupied by others things and other act like they are not attentive but, when called on to answers question the student will answer correctly.  Some do not take tests seriously nor homework. For instance, a student rather come in and put his or her head on the desk, refusing to concentrate.  This one reason they are receiving zero, which is effecting his or her achievement.  Another reason students may not be achieving is because school just may be boring to them, they may even hate school.  Sometimes they may just simply dislike the teacher.  These actions of the students are the reasons why their achievements are effected.

            Another example that may show that students have the ability to do anything is the MCT tests.  The same students that come in class not caring and wasting time are the same ones that scores high on those tests.  If the student can pass the test with no problems he or she really has the ability to achieve.  By observing the actions of the students, I have come to a conclusion that the reason so many students are in Special Education is due to their lack of participation and concentration in gaining and retaining knowledge.  .  It is not because they can not achieve, it is because they are not willing too.  Therefore, I believe if our children continue to act this way, there will be many more placed in special education. 

            All students are different in one aspect or another and this could lead to why there is discrepancy between ability and achievement.  Some students may not achieve in class due to their lack of motivation.  If the student is not being motivated to do great, he or she will not.  He or she will accept that education is not important and will never put his or best foot first.  Education therefore, will become the last thing on the itinerary and this to will really effect their achievement.  Adequate sleep may also effect the achievement of some students.  Lack of sleep at night, may cause student to dose off all day long, while the lesson is being taught, which will cause them to receive low grades in class.  Constantly receiving zeros and low grades explain why the students’ achievement levels are low.   

            In conclusion, there are definitely discrepancies between ability and achievement and several factors play a role in it exist.  As teachers of this community we must learn the difference and find ways to encourage students to attain and improve their achievement.  Based on my observation we should use different methods of teaching to enhance our students’ abilities to gain and retain knowledge.  We should invent the wheel and make things happen because there are many ways to increase the achievement levels of all students.