VOA慢速英语:'Achievement Gap' Closing Slightly for Young Students in U.S.

focus – v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific

universal – adj. done or experienced by everyone : existing or available for everyone : existing or true at all times or in all places : - n. universality

campaign trail – n. a route that takes a candidate for office to different places in order to talk to people during a campaign <The candidates talked about the people they met on the campaign trail.>

role model – n. a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others

incredible – adj. extremely good, great, or large

implement – v. to begin to do or use (something, such as a plan) : to make (something) active or effective

mandatory – adj. required by a law or rule

virtually – adv. very nearly : almost entirely

associated – v. to combine or join with other parts

essentially – adv. basically

library – n. a place where books, magazines, and other materials (such as videos and musical recordings) are available for people to use or borrow

socio-economically – adv. in a way that relates to, or involves a combination of social and economic factors

challenging – adj. difficult

game changer – n. an element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way