Leading Disadvantaged Learners: From Feeling a Failure to Achieving Success

About the Author David Middlewood is a former Research Fellow at the Centre for Educational Studies, University of Warwick, UK. He has published more than 20 books spanning people leadership and management, practitioner research and creating a learning school. Ian Abbott is Associate Tutor and formerly Director of the Centre for Educational Studies at the University of Warwick, UK. He has worked extensively with schools and colleges and has wide experience of teacher education and CPD.Roberto Pamas is Associate Professor in Education Leadership at George Mason University, USA. Product Description Where schools working in adverse conditions are achieving outstanding learning outcomes, what is it that these schools do to achieve these outcomes? Are there common factors here which could apply everywhere, or at least in the vast majority of circumstances?Drawing on a range of research, including interviews with children, parents, teachers and school leaders in rural and urban contexts in England, Greece, India, Malaysia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, and the USA, the authorship team explores these important questions. The excitement and enthusiasm for, and a commitment to, learning in which every single person there was involved seems to underpin the achievement. While this often sprang from the school's leaders, who set the tone and were highly visible inspirations to everyone else, leadership was found at every level of these schools with people feeling empowered to lead and manage in the way that worked for 'their' learners.The book is filled with case studies, showcasing examples of children and young people who have overcome huge disadvantages in their lives and circumstances to achieve their potential at school. These children and young people are not 'super heroes' but mostly children with normal abilities and talents who have succeeded thanks to highly effective work and strategies by leaders, teachers, and staff in their schools. Whilst some of the obstacles which prevent disadvantaged children from achieving in education can only be removed through changing features of certain education systems themselves, there are clear identifiable strategies to be used and actions that can be taken in any school to raise the achievement of those children from disadvantaged contexts. After describing and analysing the causes and consequences of various kinds of disadvantage, the book puts forward key principles and show how they underpin actions and strategies for leaders and others to apply in their schools, at whole school, classroom and individual level. Review “This is an important book that explores the causes and consequences of educational inequality. Complex in nature with no easy system fixes, the book showcases school and college-based approaches of tackling educational inequality. This book is a 'must' for educational leaders at all levels.” ―Jacek Brant, Associate Professor in Education, UCL Institute of Education, University College London, UK“This timely and humane book discusses the myriad challenges faced by school leaders when working with students, families, and communities, who suffer from disadvantage in multiple areas of their lives. Each chapter opens with an overview of the rationale behind it and closes with a summary of the main points and practical suggestions for action, drawing on a wide range of up-to-date materials from both UK and international sources. It will be essential reading for practitioners interested in social justice and equality.” ―Phil Whitehead, Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Management, University of Nottingham, UK“This interesting, informative and engaging book will be valuable to practitioners seeking solutions to help struggling learners reach academic and behavioural success. I truly believe it will strengthen the important and challenging work of educators, and should be read by everyone committed to excellence and high expectations f