Individual cognitive factors, especially low-achievement patterns, increase the risk for ESL, but non-cognitive factors (e.g. personality traits, problem behaviour) also play a role. At the level of the family and social background, the most prominent risk factor is low socio-economic status. However, it is noted that ESLers comprise a heterogeneous group.
Alexander, K. L.
Bibliography
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Interplay of factors contributing to ESL at the levels of the individual, the family and social background
Keywords : early school leaving -
Students’ social and civic competencies: Predictors of ESL
Externalising behaviours (e.g. deviant, disruptive, oppositional behaviour) are consistently shown to be risk factors for ESL. Civic competence (via participation in extracurricular activities) as well as social competence constitute protective factors. Peers also play a role. Supporting students’ social and emotional adjustment early on is warranted.
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Interplay of factors that contribute to ESL at school level
Although ESL is impacted by the composition of a school (e.g. mean SES) and its structure (e.g. size), school practices, especially the way curriculum is delivered in practice as well as caring, supportive and respectful teachers (and other school staff) who believe in students’ ability to succeed, seem particularly important for ensuring (potential) ESLers remain in school.
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Interplay of factors that contribute to ESL at the system level
Aspects of the education system that concern the risk of ESL include the socio-economic segregation of schools, early tracking and grade retention. In that regard, protective aspects are high quality and accessible ECEC and VET. Well-managed transitions between educational levels that reflect a student’s changing needs in order to ensure the provision of a developmentally appropriate and engaging context are called for.
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ESL prevention extended to the home environment: the relationship between (authoritative) parenting style and ESL
Research emphasises the positive impact of an authoritative parenting style on school achievements, school engagement and also directly on ESL. Parents’ behaviour that is accepting, warm and encouraging yet also firm and with clear expectations has the most favourable impact on a child’s/adolescent’s development and also acts as an ESL preventive factor. Other parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive and uninvolved) have been examined less.
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Developing healthy social and cultural capital and its effects on education
Although social and cultural capital is to some extent determined, it is important to be aware that individuals’ social capital can also be built and strengthened via the family, peers, school and wider local community. Not only does it encourage a student’s persistence in education, it can also help overcome the effects of a deficit in cultural capital on an individual’s educational path.