The push for higher standards and accountability remains a hot topic in public education which has led to conversations concerning the “achievement gap”. The achievement gap is a term often used to describe disparities in academic performance between groups of students. The achievement gap is often used as a reference for Hispanic, Black students, and students from low-income families. According to Mike Yates (teacher and curriculum director in Austin, TX), The “achievement gap” does not address systemic barriers to a quality education that confronts students of color and students from low-income such as poverty, trauma, and the underfunding of public schools. The phrase “opportunity gap” instead of “achievement gap” implies that there are challenges that we must address if all students are to receive an equitable education whereas the term “achievement gap” often leads people to believe that students who are not academically successful are less motivated to learn. This presentation will discuss historical and contemporary systemic factors, the role of the governance/administrative team, and the importance of establishing and monitoring policy to ensure an equitable education for all students.