Ability grouping in secondary schools: effects on pupils' self-concepts.

BACKGROUND

Current pressure on secondary schools to increase ability grouping has raised concerns about the impact of setting on pupils' self-concepts. Evidence from previous research is conflicting. A multidimensional measure and multilevel modelling promise to clarify the effects.

AIMS

This paper aims to examine the effects of structured ability grouping on year 9 pupils' self-concepts.

SAMPLES

The sample comprises over 3000 year 9 pupils (aged 13-14 years) in 45 mixed secondary comprehensive schools in England. The schools represent three levels of ability grouping in the lower school (years 7 to 9).

METHODS

Pupils responded to a multidimensional self-concept scale measuring academic and general facets of the self-concept. Measures of attainment were collected in English, mathematics and science. Multilevel modelling was used to examine the effect of the type of school on the general facets of the pupils' self-concept and the effects of setting in each curriculum subject on the academic facets of the self-concept.

RESULTS

Pupils' general self-concept was higher in the group of schools with moderate levels of setting. The degree of setting in mathematics and science had no effect on the corresponding academic self-concepts but setting in English tended to lower the self-concepts of the higher attaining pupils and raise the self-concepts of lower attaining pupils. Gender differences were consistent with previous research, with boys having significantly higher self-concept scores than girls, except in English. These findings indicate that the degree of stratification in schools can have an impact on adolescents' self-esteem and views of themselves in school.