18093. THE GAP IN READING SCORES. This paper discusses the wide gap in reading scores among U.S. students, which is apparently linked to the relative advantages and disadvantages of children from differing socioeconomic backgrounds. It is argued that a standardized core curriculum is the key to improving equal opportunity in education, because it sets learning expectations and establishes a sense of academic purpose. The paper also discusses the role of principals and schools in addressing this issue. KEYWORDS: education inequalities reading scores curriculum. Written 2006. MLA Style. 6 pages, 15 footnotes, 6 bibliographic sources. 1,488 words.