The presentation provides examples of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) and U.S. national data illustrating that FCPS’ student achievement gaps are a local reflection of a nationwide concern. The research cited discusses the origins of this gap and outlines the economic, moral, and societal reasons for intervening. A resulting district objective is to eliminate gaps between the highest performing subgroups (white and Asian) and those lowest performing (black and Hispanic). FCPS has developed a plan specifying three major strategies to close the gap: Best Practices for Teaching and Learning; Needs-Based Staffing; and Professional Learning Communities. A division-wide formative assessment system – eCART – aids in determining what content students know (and don’t know) throughout the school year. In addition, FCPS implemented this year a Priority Schools Initiative to identify and provide focused support to schools requiring further assistance to close the achievement gap. Measures of success include formative (eCART) assessments of student performance, state reading and mathematics test data, and reductions in the overall achievement gap.