Poorer pupils’ struggles have ‘little to do’ with lack of character, report says
Disadvantaged pupils’ struggles at school have “little to do” with them lacking the character, attitude or self-belief of their wealthier peers, a report has found.
A global study, by researchers at Cambridge, Zurich and Tubingen universities, challenges the view that the academic achievement gap between rich and poor children can be resolved by addressing differences in disadvantaged students’ mindset, work ethic and self-belief.
The researchers argue that the emphasis on social skills by politicians and educators “risks blaming” disadvantaged children for their own misfortune.
The study, which
