After reading your editorial on the achievement gap in Advanced Placement test scores, I was amazed that you focused on family income and wealth as causes of the disparity ("The AP achievement gap," Feb. 14). As one who taught math in both Pikeville and Randallstown high schools, I observed that the biggest differences in students' level of accomplishment were more dependent on their efforts to learn than on their financial status.

I think you should put more emphasis on the need for students to focus on their studies rather than on social activities in high school. Many of the students who were having trouble in school had the same opportunities to get a decent education, but they did not apply themselves because they were more focused on fooling around and having fun than on learning.

Until students come to school with the attitude that learning is important, the effect money has on student achievement will be limited. Children from upper-income families not only have the advantage of getting extra resources from their families, but they often get a sense of the value of an education.

I grew up in New York City in a lower-income family, but we valued education, and I was able to use the city's excellent school system to get an education and ultimately to provide my children with the tools that allowed them to move into the higher income brackets.

The opportunity still exists for those who are willing to try harder.

Neil Safeer