Local Matters EDUCATING WITH A SENSE OF PLACE The background (original) (raw)

2020, Local Matters Briefing

Poverty and socioeconomic disadvantage are major determinants of educational outcomes in England. Research from Manchester Institute of Education shows that classroom interventions funded through the Pupil Premium will be insufficient to improve educational outcomes for poorer pupils. Schools who explore and understand staff attitudes towards poverty, develop strong understandings of local context and are willing to change core practices (curriculum, pedagogy, extra-curricular activities, finance, professional development) based on this knowledge are more likely to successfully address poverty and disadvantage. Drawing on this knowledge, the university has developed Local Matters, a different approach to the traditional 'fix' model. We work alongside and empower the school and community through a range of research skills and principles to develop an evidence based local response to local issues 1. Produces accessible syntheses and engagement materials on poverty and disadvantage. 2. Works with groups of school leaders and teachers in disadvantaged localities to critically interrogate these findings, research their own contexts and reflect on implications for their practice. 3. Trains school staff as community researchers. 4. Develops school action plans which make direct changes to what happens during the school day and the cost to parents.