In a high school, the norms act to hold down the achievements of those who are above average, so that the school's demands will be at a level easily maintained by the majority. James S. Coleman achievementactaverage Change image and share on social
Particular individuals who might never consider dropping out if they were in a different high school might decide to drop out if they attended a school where many boys and girls did so. James S. Coleman attendboydecide Change image and share on social
As an example, one of the schools I have been studying is too small to compete effectively in most sports, but participates with vigor each year in the state music contests. James S. Coleman competecontesteffectively Change image and share on social
A child's learning is a function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher. James S. Coleman characteristicchildclassmate Change image and share on social
The higher the social class of other students the higher any given student's achievement. James S. Coleman achievementclasshigh Change image and share on social
Schools are successful only insofar as they reduce the dependence of a child's opportunities upon his social origins. James S. Coleman childdependenceopportunity Change image and share on social
The educational resources provided by a child's fellow students are more important for his achievement than are the resources provided by the school board. James S. Coleman achievementboardchild Change image and share on social
Grades are almost completely relative, in effect ranking students relative to others in their class. Thus extra achievement by one student not only raises his position, but in effect lowers the position of others. James S. Coleman achievementclasscompletely share on social
Children from a given family background, when put in schools of different social compositions, will achieve at quite different levels. James S. Coleman achievebackgroundchild Change image and share on social
