The achievement gap between different groups of students may result from stereotype threat, in which students feel they are at risk of conforming to stereotypes about their social group. Values affirmations can help counter stereotype threat by reinforcing a student's feelings of integrity and self-worth.

Similarly, helping students with goal setting can help direct their attention toward goal-relevant activities and away from goal-irrelevant activities, improving their capacity for self-regulation.

Further Resources and References

Study finds simple interventions can help certain online learners persist
Values Affirmation Intervention Reduces Achievement Gap between Underrepresented Minority and White Students in Introductory Biology Classes
Reducing the Racial Achievement Gap: A Social-Psychological Intervention
The Psychology of Change: Self-Affirmation and Social Psychological Intervention
Improving performance and retention in introductory biology with a utility-value intervention
Goal Setting Intervention