ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents an analysis of the internal and external factors involved in underachievement, the models of analysis and intervention and related research. It provides an analysis of the nature of disadvantage and its consequences for learners and examines poverty from economic, social, cultural and subcultural perspectives. The book shows the importance of language, gender, ethnicity, culture and behavioural interventions in overcoming disaffection and disadvantage. It addresses the profiles and needs of three underachieving boys as they enter secondary schools and compares their capabilities and needs with cohorts of other pupils. The book also shows how and why the literacy gaps of disadvantaged groups arise and what needs to be done to close them in reading, spelling and handwriting. It deals with strategies and examples that promote higher order reflective reading, critical comprehension and different levels of study skills.
