As An Example, One Of The Schools

The Present Structure Of Rewards In High Schools Produces A Response On The Part Of An Adolescent Social System Which Effectively Impedes The Process Of Education.

Grades Are Almost Completely Relative, In Effect Ranking Students Relative To Others In Their Class. Thus Extra Achievement By One Student Not Only Raises His Position, But In Effect Lowers The Position Of Others.

As An Example, One Of The Schools I Have Been Studying Is Too Small To Compete Effectively In Most Sports, But Participates With Vigor Each Year In The State Music Contests.

Children From A Given Family Background, When Put In Schools Of Different Social Compositions, Will Achieve At Quite Different Levels.

The Higher The Social Class Of Other Students The Higher Any Given Student's Achievement.