Equity in EducationEquity in Education

Alan DysonAlan DysonCentre for Equity in EducationCentre for Equity in Education

University of ManchesterUniversity of Manchesterd.a.dyson@manchester.ac.ukd.a.dyson@manchester.ac.uk

It’s not whereyou start…

…it’s whereyou finish

Poverty

Pooroutcomes

Wealth!

Educationreform

Poverty

Familystress

Areaeffects

Pooroutcomes

HealthEducationWell being

ParentingSupport for learningSocial skills

Economic disadvantageLimited life chances

EmploymentTransport & accessStreet crimePoor services

Where we areWhere we are

Education reform Education reform alonealone isn’t working isn’t working Current reform efforts torn between ‘excellence’ & Current reform efforts torn between ‘excellence’ &

‘equity’‘equity’ Excellence agenda Excellence agenda as currently understoodas currently understood

undermines equityundermines equity– Narrow targetsNarrow targets– Markets & competitionMarkets & competition– Deficit view of disadvantaged groupsDeficit view of disadvantaged groups

Weak linkage between education & social reformWeak linkage between education & social reform

Poverty

Familystress

Areaeffects

Pooroutcomes

Improved services & standards

Family & personalsupport

Redistribution & growth

Arearegeneration

What’s beginning to emergeWhat’s beginning to emerge

Networks of education providersNetworks of education providers– Schools, colleges, children’s centres, Schools, colleges, children’s centres,

community educatorscommunity educators

Working with networks of child & family Working with networks of child & family support agenciessupport agencies

Within a local regeneration strategyWithin a local regeneration strategy

What we now needWhat we now need

A serious look at admissions & competitionA serious look at admissions & competition A serious look at schools’ community A serious look at schools’ community

responsibilitiesresponsibilities A serious look at localismA serious look at localism