Title: Typologies of underperforming schools: evidence from the Western Cape Province of South Africa

Authors: Amiena Bayat; Wynand Louw; Ravinder Rena

Addresses: Department of Economics, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag: X 17; Bellville, South Africa ' Institute for Social Development, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag: X 17; Bellville, South Africa ' Department of Economics, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag: X 17; Bellville, 7535, South Africa

Abstract: The research examines underperforming secondary schools in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Using a representative sample of underperforming schools, the researchers collected data from principals, teachers, school management teams (SMTs), learners and school governing bodies (SGB). The research findings indicate that underperforming secondary schools are not a homogenous group since they can be divided into three distinct categories. These three typologies of underperforming secondary schools are discussed in detail in this paper. Schools are divided into these typologies on the basis of a selected number of school level and out of school factors. Researchers argue that academic performance is primarily linked to the collaborated efforts of teachers, principals, parents and learners. The central role played by leadership and management in education outcomes cannot be overstated in this regard. There is also consensus that that the wider social and economic environment have a profound effect on the educational attainment of learners.

Keywords: schools typology; underperforming schools; secondary schools; education quality; leadership; school management teams; SMTs; South Africa; secondary education; educational attainment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2015.073156

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2015 Vol.6 No.3, pp.183 - 208

Received: 20 Aug 2014
Accepted: 21 May 2015
Published online: 25 Nov 2015 *

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