Examining the Effect of Pupil Background on Primary and Secondary Pupils' Attainment: Key Findings from the Improving School Effectiveness Project

Abstract

A Scottish national study examined relationships between pupil background characteristics and performance in reading and mathematics at 80 primary and secondary schools. Age within the grade level, gender, and socioeconomic disadvantage had varying effects on achievement in different grades. School-level variations were more marked for primary than secondary students. Implications for school accountability policies are discussed. (Contains 50 references.) (TD)