There is greater pressure for schools to meet certain levels of pupil achievement now more than ever before. Teachers and policy-makers are looking for ways to ensure pupils are not underachieving, and to do this must have some understanding of the causes of underachievement.
This timely book examines different levels of achievement of pupil groups and the reasons behind them. The authors highlight ways in which schools and policy-makers might improve achievement through changes in policy and practice. Some of the topics considered are:
* What is underachievement?
* Social background and achievement
* School structures and achievement
* Schools raising attainment
Underachievement in Schools will be a valuable resource for anyone involved with school policy as well as teachers and those training to teach.
Biography
Anne West is Professor of Educational Policy in the Department of Social Policy at the London School of Economics and is also Director of the Centre for Educational Research.
Hazel Pennell is a Research Fellow based in the Centre for Educational Research at the London School of Economics.
'a thorough and scholarly analysis of a subject that still doesn't quite occupy our mind and actions as it should ... This is a book for all policymakers, heads and teachers wanting to make a dent in the cycle of disadvantage.' - Tim Brighouse, Times Educational Supplement
'For readers coming to educational achievement as interested parents, education or social science students, or members of the public, this book will make fascinating reading. For those well versed in educational research ... this book provides a useful and up-to-date summary of key research in each of the areas under discussion.' - Mary Thornton, Educational Review
