"I hope (the report) elevates the dialogue and the awareness because there does seem to be a little bit of resistance to getting information out and also a resistance to recognizing that these are not only legitimate issues but critical issues for the improvement of schools and the whole community," said McKell Withers, Salt Lake School District superintendent.

"Some people have some biases and opinions about what different cultures and learning styles might bring instead of recognizing that diversity is an opportunity and it's what makes this country not only unique but strong," he said.

Andrea Rorrer, co-author of the report and director of the Utah Education Policy Center, said there are a number of reasons for the achievement gap — no state accountability system, low-income and minority students being placed with less qualified teachers, disparities in school funding and the lack of culturally relevant curriculum.

"There are a number of indicators of why (there is a gap)," said Rorrer, who is also an assistant professor in the U. Educational Leadership and Policy Center. "But the goal is to empower and mobilize communities to start addressing these issues."

Among the report's recommendations was a call for the involvement of state and political leaders to introduce, endorse, promote and implement legislation to address the gap.

"In the data there are gaps that are irrefutable, and anybody that says otherwise either doesn't care about that or doesn't wish to address it," he said.

Moreover, Aleman said an effort is needed to look at implementing a state accountability system, addressing inequity and inadequacy in educational funding and increasing diversity among teachers and administrators.

Rebecca Chavez-Houck, spokeswoman for Centro, said officials plan to conduct presentations throughout the state

"It is going to take more than just state level action — we need to inform communities and mobilize communities to think about these issues long term," Aleman said.

To access the full report visit www.cdlfu.org.

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E-mail: terickson@desnews.com