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Black Caribbeans 'less likely to be pushed by teachers'
Amar Singh, Evening Standard5 Sep 2008
Black Caribbean pupils are less likely to achieve academic success because of lower teacher expectations and "institutional racism", a study has claimed.
The research found that among pupils with the same academic and social status, those from black Caribbean families were a third less likely to be entered for higher tier exams at the age of 14.
The study, conducted by Dr Steve Strand at Warwick University, found teachers were less likely to push these pupils as judgments about their academic capabilities were "distorted" by perceptions of their behaviour.
Researchers said African, Pakistani and Bangladeshi pupils were also af fected. The study noted black Caribbean pupils were also more likely to be excluded from school.
Reader views (7)
Ban rap music. It promotes monkey-like behaviour.
- Kenneth Didriksen, Bergen, Norway, 08/09/2008 11:02
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Why on earth do they keep having these stupid surveys? who pays for them?
- Steve, loughton essex, 07/09/2008 21:57
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As usual - blame everyone else apart from the actual group concerned. Why can't people be held responsible for their own 'academic success' rather than blaming it on institutions?
- Mark, London, 05/09/2008 14:10
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What does "institutional racism" add to "lower teacher expectations" here? If a school had a written aim/ objective of discrimination against ethnic minority pupils, or in favour of white ones, then I could see that "institutional" had some additional meaning; but that is not the case. This seems to be just another lazy, meaningless term.
- Andrew, London, 05/09/2008 13:36
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You would have to take a risk assessment even before thinking of pushing them, is it worth the possible consequences.
- Jason Bierce, Richmond Surrey, 05/09/2008 12:36
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As a British born, black Caribbean male, I can fully identify with the findings of Dr. Strand's study. I recall once being told by a teacher that "I will never amass to anything, as most black Caribbean boys end up in prison" fortunately for me that was not what happened, and on the day that I was accepted into Oxford University, I reflected on her comments and wondered just how many young men's lives she had ruined with her destructive comments. I do not have all of the answers to this problem but I know that until something is done about it, young black males will continue to be short changed by an unfair educational system.
- Nigel-Paul Brissett, London, 05/09/2008 12:19
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The study, conducted by Dr Steve Strand at Warwick University, found teachers were less likely to push these pupils as judgements about their academic capabilities were "distorted" by perceptions of their behaviour. How can we be certain that Dr. Strand's judgements about teachers judgements aren't "distorted" by perceptions of their behaviour.
- Steve Morris, Oslo, Norway, 05/09/2008 11:57
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