The effects of family pattern, length of schooling and other environmental factors on English and basic arithmetic attainment of Jamaican primary school children

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1964

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This study sought to investigate the effects of certain school, home, and general environmental factors on the achievement ratings of Jamaican junior school-children, and the interactions of these factors. Tests and questionnaires were used to collect data from all students completing the fourth year in a stratified sample of 10 percent of primary schools in the country. Averaged criterion scores in English and arithmetic were correlated with such school factors as size of enrolment, class size, regularity of attendance, teacher status, equipment, buildings, and accommodation. Amongst home and environmental factors considered against the criterion were nature and size of the family structure, parents' educational level, nature of the communal environment, and the economic level of the community. The results suggested that the most essential contributing factor was good home background, namely, the education of the parents' themselves and their interest in their children's education. Years of schooling and qualifications of staff did make a smaller, independent contribution, and the larger schools with good equipment provided a definite advantage

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