ABSTRACT
This chapter contains policy responses to the minority ethnic group pupil’s needs and the case for 'positive discrimination' in education. Combating racism and developing positive responses to diversity should be an integral part of teaching in all schools. In the 1960s the concept of positive action was dominated by the notion of compensatory education. Positive action is also required to counteract the effects of racism which result in black people being disadvantaged as a group. The need for positive action has not been recognized in official educational thinking. Central government's reluctance to take positive action to redress the effects of racial disadvantage is exemplified by the failure to collect statistics which could act as a basis for planning effective intervention. Despite the effects of racism, the DES has consistently taken the view that any particular needs which ethnic groups may have will be met adequately through general policies designed to alleviate deprivation and disadvantage.
