Friday, May 15, 2009

class in the class-room

Another failure of reformism has been high-lighted here .

When the comprehensive education system was introduced into Scotland from the late 1960s onwards, one of the key drivers was equality. Under the former system, pupils were separated on academic ability after sitting a test at the end of primary school and sent either to senior secondaries, where pupils did Highers, or junior secondaries to learn a trade. While the system was not designed to segregate pupils along class lines, because exam success is often dictated by levels of deprivation the separation of pupils at such an early age - and on the basis of one test - was blamed for entrenching existing class divisions. Therefore, the new comprehensive schools were created to end such iniquitous divisions and extend opportunity to all.

A major report into the attainment of pupils from Scottish secondary schools between 1985 and 2005, conducted by Edinburgh University appears to indicate that segregation is as pronounced as it ever was. The study found the attainment gap between 18-year-olds from middle and working class backgrounds had actually increased between 1985 and 2005.

"Social class is the greatest source of inequality in attainment ..."

5 comments:

aberfoyle said...

Regression of capital or indulgent arrogance of the educational class.

How many fails are we to achieve,so much promise yet another failure for a numbered fiscal deficit.

Jock said...

there is an odd reference to "middle..class" in this post. I thought the SPGB was of the view (which seems a reasonable viewpoint) that the vast majority in society are working class wage slaves? Some wage slaves may be better remunerated and may live in more pleasant residential areas - many of their children may do better at school - but still wage slaves newverthless. Surprising to see a SPGB post promoting the flawed idea of the "middle class".

ajohnstone said...

yes , jock , the party does recognise only two classes , working and capitalist . The reference of middle class is cut and pasted from the article.

You are right , we are all wage slaves , but some do gain extra priviledges and remuneration if they are what i think Marx called the overseers and non commissioned officers.

In the education field , the article's point is that social conditions reflect the success of learning.

Jock said...

Fair enough. Was not clear to me that it was a cut and paste.
Its amazing how many working class people (with huge mortgages) in more pleasant residential areas consider their class as "middle class". I am sure someone somewhere has done a thesis on it!

aberfoyle said...

Jock, i think the middle class is defined by credit access and how many credit cards one has in their wallet.