The achievement gap separating economically disadvantaged students from their more advantaged peers disproportionately affects students of color and has been the focus of discussion, research and controversy for more than 40 years. While the gap between black and white students narrowed considerably from the 1950s to the 1980s, that gap has remained stubbornly stable since then. Some research suggests that the income achievement gap (separating wealthy and poor students) is widening. Below-par achievement of minority and economically disadvantaged students remains one of the most concerning problems in education. This brief highlights the efforts of four states--Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and Wisconsin--to reduce their achievement gaps through state-level task forces or commissions and other legislative action. These four states historically boast average or strong academic achievement levels, but all are facing achievement gaps, some of them significant. Two appendices are provided: (1) Master Plan to Eliminate the Achievement Gap in Connecticut; and (2) Recommendations from the 2014 Massachusetts Advocates for Diversity in Education Task Force.