Links between Achievement and deprivation
How NOT to raise standards-bus the children out of town.
If you read my article re bussing children out of their town by merging two Controlled schools from neighbouring towns at a site somewhere between them and closing the towns’ schools and then wondering why attainment is so poor then you will be interested in the Government’s own report issued by OFM and DFM Investigating Links in Achievement and Deprivation (2015).
The report found that factors which adversely affect attainment include:
Spatial detachment between schools and their communities
The report also finds that strong school-community links and interagency community support enhance attainment.
The report goes on to assert that when young people have a strong sense of connection to their local community then this has a positive impact on attainment because it improves their attitudes towards learning. and their engagement in education.
The report also finds that the greater the value placed on education by politicians the better the performance of children living in deprived wards.
The report also highlights the need for local positive role models for young males
The report concludes that in order to address underachievement it is vital to think local and the vital role of ALL community stakeholders.
It is self evident that these community related factors shown to improve attainment cannot occur if you move the school…….. out of its community.
More Standing for the Controlled Sector-How NOT to raise standards-bus the children out of town.