Disaffection From School

A large number of pupils are, or are liable to become, disaffected with their schooling. In this comprehensive account of the problem, Ken Reid suggests that school can and should do much more to prevent and overcome disaffected behaviour, as manifested by such factors as absenteeism, disruption and underachievement. The book covers disruptive behaviour in its broader context and examines the search for an explanation within schools themselves. Formal and multidisciplinary approaches to the problem are also fully treated. The author has drawn on his considerable school and research experience and the book is well illustrated with examples and case histories. Ken Reid argues that questions about attitudes and approaches in teaching and in pastoral care provoke a continued challenge, and stresses that if such questions are not faced squarely the long-germ prognosis for secondary education in Britain may be bleak. Teachers in training and all those involved in the education and welfare of difficult or disadvantaged children, especially teachers, heads and social workers, will find Disaffection from School both challenging in its analysis and helpful in its suggestions.

Originally published in 1989, the purpose of this book was to explore the nature and appearance of disaffection and alienation in young children and to seek to understand its significance. It deals with classroom interactions and adult expectations of children, and the context of historical and policy-related perspectives on schools as they relate to the under-8-year-olds. Theories and assumptions about these young children are re-examined, leading to questions on interpretation of behaviours, the appropriateness of practices at the classroom, teacher education and policy levels, and the societal value that was placed on the schooling experience of young children at the time.

‘Young peoples’ disaffection with mathematics is a problem since it is a key factor in disengagement, lack of participation, progression and attainment. Large numbers of young people are becoming effectively ‘lost’ to mathematics with the result that too many young people are leaving education without the competence in mathematics that they require for successful citizenship. Disaffection with School Mathematics reports on an investigation into disaffection with school mathematics undertaken by the author. Too little is known about both the nature and the causes of disaffection, and in this light the research looks beyond the quantitative study of attitude to investigate the nature of the subjective experience of learning, or not learning, mathematics. Disaffection with school mathematics is characterized as a motivational and emotional phenomenon, and Reversal Theory is introduced as a robust theory which is used as an interpretative framework to account for students’ affective experience of school mathematics, and to inform the design of a range of novel methods. Overall the book develops and presents a deep description of the landscape of disaffection as experienced by, and in the voice of, students. Some empirical and theoretical implications of the study are discussed.

Sarah Swann provides a fresh approach to examining the long-standing debates over disaffection, and in particular social class differences in educational achievement, through a mixed methods methodology and the showcasing of new research. By observing pupils as they engage with peers and teachers in school, Swann allows disaffection to be seen and heard in ’real’ events which constructs disaffection differently from objective statistical evidence on school exclusions. Rather than a homogenous identity, this book illustrates disaffection as layered and resting on a series of issues located on the crossroads between the cultural context of the neighbourhood and the public sphere of the school. It plots in a detailed way how these structures interact and mesh to create disaffected identities. Disaffection does not emerge in a vacuum, or without a cause. Pupils arrive at school with a wide variety of experiences and it is from these that they interpret, understand and act out their identities. Whilst the study in part seeks to describe and understand the social world of the school in terms of the pupils’ interpretations of the situation, it analytically frames the perceptions of pupils within a wider social context. In particular it focuses on the relationships between schooling and the wider macro structures and social relations that underpin disaffection. This approach makes the research both critical and interpretative and also able to shed new light on educational policy across England based on an understanding of the role of disaffection.

`This is an extremely readable volume and those who work in this field will find themselves nodding in agreement. It is hoped that this is not just read by those like-minded educationalists but reaches a broad readership. It gives a wide-angle view of the problem of disaffection, which cannot fail to cause concern. It is hoped that the recent proliferation of government initiatives - learning mentors, 14-19 alternative curricula, and Connexions, to name but a few - will soon begin to solve some of the problems highlighted in this study′ - Emotional & Behavioural Difficulties `Working with Disaffected Students is an interesting, informative and accessible book which should appeal to the target audience of practitioners and policy makers. The recommendations in this book are sound and highly relevant to the target audience. Everyone, particularly the disaffected young people themselves, should benefit from sound research presented in such and engaging and accessible way′ - British Journal Educational Studies `The book stresses the importance of early (and real) inter-agency co-operation, and of good initial and on-going teacher training′ - Michael Duffy, The Times Educational Supplement `I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the grown up approach of this book, soundly grounded in evidence, and not afraid to talk in terms of a really inclusive approach. In particular, I loved to hear the clear statements on the need for trust between Government and Schools′ - Education Review `This is a humane and reflective book. One for all teachers, heads and other professionals involved in children′s welfare. It should be compulsory reading for the target-setters accountability merchants, as it demands a very different king of responsibility towards vulnerable children and their future′ - Improving Schools `An insightful, powerful and, at times, worrying exploration of reasons for children choosing, or being forced, not to attend school. I feel that this book is a must-read for teachers, parents and carers alike. If the powerful messages are absorbed and internalized, then perhaps new ways of exploring the relationships required with children who become disaffected can be found′ - Lynne Westwood, Working with People Who Have a Learning Disability ′This book is a welcome and timely addition to the growing body of research and writing on educational inclusion.... It is a rich source of good practice, policies and ideas. Used skillfully, it could be a powerful resource to influence a school′s approach to the management of student disaffection.... I would recommend this book as essential source of empowerment for all who aspire to improve schools and include all′ - Alan J Child, Journal of InService Education `This book provides policy-makers and practitioners with positive strategies for best practice, helping them to formulate and implement policies that will improve prospects for disaffected pupils. The authors encourage inclusive solutions that emphasise working in partnership′ - SENCO Update This accessible book is about pupil disaffection. It tackles some of the issues which confront policy makers and practitioners in many countries and contexts. Education has become a political priority for many governments, and many have sought to tackle the issues of underachievement and failure. But if education is a political priority, why aren′t school days `the best days of your life′? Why are so many students - and their teachers - unhappy with their lot? Most children start school at five, or thereabouts, with enthusiasm and curiosity. Most parents want the best for their children. Most teachers enter the teaching profession because they are motivated by enthusiasm for their subject, or by a commitment to support children′s learning. Most teachers who become head teachers do so because they want to make a difference to young people′s lives. For many teachers and their pupils, education is a rewarding experience. But what happens over the years to lead to disaffection in a sizeable minority? Why does the partnership between schools and families succeed for some, but fall apart for others? Why do some young people reject school and become excluded from learning? What forces the different ′camps′ to blame each other ? International studies have shown that education attainment at age 16 is the most important predictor of future participation in learning, and of labour market opportunities. Young people with no qualifications are between two and three times more likely to be unemployed as their peers, and to be excluded from society. They become disenfranchised by their lack of educational opportunities. This book is more than another tale of pupil disengagement. From talking to parents, pupils and teachers, the authors provide some answers to the questions: - What can be done to realize the high expectations that are shared by parents, pupils and teachers alike when children first start their schooling? - What can be done to make a difference?

A large number of pupils are, or are liable to become, disaffected with their schooling. In this comprehensive account of the problem, Ken Reid suggests that school can and should do much more to prevent and overcome disaffected behaviour, as manifested by such factors as absenteeism, disruption and underachievement. The book covers disruptive behaviour in its broader context and examines the search for an explanation within schools themselves. Formal and multidisciplinary approaches to the problem are also fully treated. The author has drawn on his considerable school and research experience and the book is well illustrated with examples and case histories. Ken Reid argues that questions about attitudes and approaches in teaching and in pastoral care provoke a continued challenge, and stresses that if such questions are not faced squarely the long-germ prognosis for secondary education in Britain may be bleak. Teachers in training and all those involved in the education and welfare of difficult or disadvantaged children, especially teachers, heads and social workers, will find Disaffection from School both challenging in its analysis and helpful in its suggestions.

Disaffected pupils respond well in circumstances where they feel secure, where they have a sense of being valued and respected, and where they perceive there to be opportunities for them to succeed. Effective Schools for Disaffected Students offers insights into how these outcomes might be achieved in both mainstream and segregated settings. The investigation is based on the views of pupils who have been excluded from mainstream schools for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The author relates the pupils' experiences of the different types of school to research in the area of school effectiveness. He offers some practical guidelines on ways in which teachers and managers can work towards reducing disaffection in schools within the real life contexts in which they occur. The book will appeal to anybody whose concerns are with the everday realities of schooling.

Disaffected pupils respond well in circumstances where they feel secure, where they have a sense of being valued and respected, and where they perceive there to be opportunities for them to succeed. Effective Schools for Disaffected Students offers insights into how these outcomes might be achieved in both mainstream and segregated settings. The investigation is based on the views of pupils who have been excluded from mainstream schools for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The author relates the pupils' experiences of the different types of school to research in the area of school effectiveness. He offers some practical guidelines on ways in which teachers and managers can work towards reducing disaffection in schools within the real life contexts in which they occur. The book will appeal to anybody whose concerns are with the everday realities of schooling.