Genes more important than Selective schools ?

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berks_mum
Posts: 939
Joined: Sat Dec 28, 2013 4:52 pm

Genes more important than Selective schools ?

Post by berks_mum »

The Guardian: Selective schools make no difference to GCSE results, study says
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2 ... study-says
Selective schools make no difference to pupils’ GCSE results, according to a scientific analysis that undercuts the argument that grammar schools are necessary for the brightest pupils to reach their full academic potential.
The study showed that the 7% difference in performance on GCSE results between selective schools (private and grammar) and comprehensives was almost entirely explained by differences in the ability and family income of the pupils. Once these factors were accounted for, the value added by selective schools dropped to less than 1%.
Prof Robert Plomin of King’s College London, senior author of the study, said: “It’s very surprising for people to find out that [selective] schools aren’t adding value. [The schools] take the kids that do the best at school and show they do the best at school. It’s an entirely self-fulfilling prophecy.”
The influence of genetics on achievement, Plomin suggested, is the “elephant in the classroom”, adding that in the future, genetic testing of children to predict their academic potential “will probably happen”. However, others questioned whether such a step would be useful or desirable.
In an added layer of controversy, the paper’s author list includes Toby Young, who stepped down from the Office for Students in January after critics highlighted offensive and sexist tweets, controversial writing about working-class students and an essay on “progressive eugenics” proposing that poorer people should be offered embryo screening based on intelligence.
Amber
Posts: 8058
Joined: Thu Sep 24, 2009 11:59 am

Re: Genes more important than Selective schools ?

Post by Amber »

There is a long thread on this topic in the general 11+ topics section.
berks_mum
Posts: 939
Joined: Sat Dec 28, 2013 4:52 pm

Re: Genes more important than Selective schools ?

Post by berks_mum »

Thanks Amber! I will have a look. I generally don't look in the 11+ sections as we have passed that stage now.
Mods, please delete this thread.
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