Addressing educational inequality

Investing in education: combating educational disadvantage (Research series no 6)
Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

Published: 2009
Pages 65

Read the report on the ESRI website

Contends that there is a level of education below which life chances are adversely affected. Summarises international research on educational inequality, focusing on interventions to counter educational disadvantage. Assesses the extent of inequality in Irish education. Examines the way in which social background influences literacy levels, qualifications and grades. Explores provision for disadvantaged groups within the Irish educational system. Examines the consequences and costs of early school leaving for the individual and society. Considers labour market outcomes, health and crime. Finds that pupils in Ireland who leave education without attaining the Leaving Certificate qualification will have difficulty accessing further education, training or high quality employment.