Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Education - Essay Example That racism has been a feature in the interpretations of specific events in the school experiences of some respondents necessitates a re-evaluation of the role played by schools in the underachievement of African-Caribbean pupils. Due to racism, black people, no matter how motivated, are often denied the opportunity of an adequate level of education. The underachievement of African-Caribbean children in the UK has been well documented over the years. African-Caribbean children, in particular boys, have been over represented in the figures for exclusions from school, poor examination results, emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), and receiving statements of special educational need (Taylor, 41; Mirza, 269). The situation has changed little in recent years. In 1998/99, the overall permanent percentage exclusion rate from school in the UK was 0.17% while the exclusion rates for Black Caribbean, Black African and Black other pupils were 0.59%, 0.20% and 0.49% respectively. These proportions represent some improvement from 1995/96 when they were 0.92%, 0.35% and 0.53% respectively. Other minority groups have much lower rates: Indian, 0.04%; Pakistani, 0.01%; and Bangladeshi, 0.07% (Department for Education and Employment [DfEE] 2000a, 27). Socio-economic status is known to be one of the most powerful predictors of educational success. In inner-city areas characterised by poverty and high unemployment, where African-Caribbeans often live, children from lower income families face exceptional obstacles en route to success, irrespective of the values of their parents (Strand, 170). This research suggests that local communities can provide a ‘sense of belonging’ and opportunities to be successful which can demonstrate to young African-Caribbeans that it are possible for them to succeed. Despite the DfEE encouraging local education authorities