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Schools Making a Difference

1st Edition
0335231411 · 9780335231416
Does an effective school really come about through the actions of teachers and school leaders, or does it also require an advantaged student intake?This question reflects a longstanding research debate about whether or not the social class mix of a s… Read More
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Preface
Acknowledgements

Part one: The problem of school mix

The social limits of reform
School effectiveness research and the enduring problem of school mix
Possible mechanisms and a research strategy

Part two: The Wellington schools

Setting the scene
It's not what you know...
The negotiated curriculum
The art of the possible

Part three: Theory, practice, policy and research

Understanding the impact of school mix
Social class segregation and the politics of polarisation and blame
Improvement research
how realistic?
Conclusion
let's be realistic!
References
Index.

Does an effective school really come about through the actions of teachers and school leaders, or does it also require an advantaged student intake?

This question reflects a longstanding research debate about whether or not the social class mix of a school's student intake has much effect on individual achievement. Schools Making a Difference: Let's Be Realistic! presents new evidence which suggests that school mix is likely to be important because of the way many school processes are deeply influenced by student intake characteristics. Low socioeconomic schools face numerous intake-related constraints which make them highly resistant to improvement efforts. By suggesting that 'failing' schools are often overwhelmed rather than ineffective, this book provides a sympathetic reappraisal of the performance of teachers and school leaders in such schools. It also offers a critical response to the often unrealistic claims of the school effectiveness and school improvement movement and a fresh critique of market reforms in education.