Exploring students' underachievement in state primary education in the Cottonera area

Abstract

The study concerned a number of issues that are believed to cause education underachievement in state schools situated in the Cottonera area. It focused on lack of parental involvement in schools; students' initiative in self-confidence; degree of teachers' enthusiasm and initiative; quality of school facilities; state funding; and options for future government policies regarding education in the Cottonera area. The study explored the effects of these aspects on the students' achievement in education, after which a number of possibilities were given. Interviews were carried out with key informants from the area such as parish priests, local councils, heads of schools, teachers, social workers, parents and students. Data was obtained through semi structured interviews.