Title: Poorer pupils lag by almost two years
Source/Author/Date: http://www.bbc.com/news/education-38052689. Nov 22, 2016. Sean Coughlan, Education Correspondent
Key Points:
- Areas in England identified as “the most challenged when it comes to social mobility” or “persistently disadvantaged”, are 20.1 months behind their less disadvantaged counterparts.
- “Persistently disadvantaged” = eligible for free meals at least four out of last five years.
- The achievement gap has widened in the last five years.
- England determined there will be an extra 60million pounds spent in these areas to foster social mobility.
Relevance:
Chronic poverty leads to lower achievement in school. The longer we wait to do something about it, the greater the divide becomes. Schools in England are only a reflection of the larger population. The time to take action, to fund the highest need areas, is now.
Audience: Policymakers
I found this article very interesting. As someone who has attended British schools, I can believe there is lower achievement in these area of economic disadvantage. I think it is interesting to note that Europe does not define the cultural backgrounds of these children as we might see in American journalism. I like the stand for action to help these students and I would imagine the issue being addressed in a British parliament meeting.
ReplyDeleteHelping the lower income schools and areas. What a crazy idea.
ReplyDeleteI have been a part of Title I and non Title I schools and there is definitely a difference in supplies, structure, resources, etc. I know booster clubs can play a role in wealthy areas and probably have better community to obtain resources they need. I think it would be interesting if the district factored in (maybe they do?) booster/parent club funds in the school accounts, so the district could redistribute funds to schools that don't receive outside funds. One of the issues of have unequal schools in our district is that students notice it too and comment about it all the time.