Teachers' low expectations harm black children, say parents

The Educational Strategies of the Black Middle Classes study was carried out by the Institute of Education and is based on interviews with 62 parents of black Caribbean heritage.

It found that many parents believed there were "generally low teacher expectations" regarding their children’s performance at school.

The report added: "Good behaviour and average attainments by black students are accepted as sufficient by too many teachers."

Researchers found that black middle class parents have adopted a number of strategies to counter this attitude from teaches. One is to rarely use the word racism, even if there is evidence of it as "it is likely to be met with resistance and antagonism by teachers, tutors and school staff".

Another is to ensure teachers are aware that they place a high value on education. A common view among families interviewed was the role of education as a key to social mobility.

One parent said: "I’ve probably been down to school twice now just to check on him. The teachers have been very, very supportive, but also very surprised that I’ve wanted to see them before parents’ evening or before they asked me."

Another said: "Before he started at the new, state school I wrote to the headmaster: ‘My child is coming to your school, he’s always gone to private school, but I love your school. But be warned, I have very high expectations of my child, so my message is do not mess up’."

Christine Blower, general secretary of National Union of Teachers, said: "No child or young person should ever be written off or have their potential underestimated. It is crucial that our schools and colleges aspire to equality of access and entitlement to education for all pupils.