Antecedents of Scholastic Success in West Indian Ten-year-olds in London

Abstract

It is clear that West Indian children in London schools are underachieving to a significant degree (Rutter et al., 1974; Little, 1975). It is clear, too, that social factors are heavily implicated in this under-achievement (Bagley, 1971a and 1975b). The emphasis in previous research and policy has been on reasons — such as migration, separation from parents, and social deprivation — for this under-achievement. Much less emphasis has been placed in both British and American research on the reasons why some black children are particularly successful in school. But such a research strategy is both intellectually pleasing and offers much insight into why some, but not all, blacks may under-achieve. It offers, too, practical avenues of educational and social policy for enhancing black achievement.