Narrowing the Gap in Outcomes for Vulnerable Groups: A Review of the Research Evidence

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Narrowing the Gap in Outcomes for Vulnerable Groups: A Review of the Research Evidence
Language: English
Authors: Kendall, Sally, Straw, Suzanne, Jones, Megan, Springate, Iain, Grayson, Hilary, National Foundation for Educational Research
Source: National Foundation for Educational Research. 2008.
Availability: National Foundation for Educational Research. The Mere, Upton Park, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 2DQ, UK. Tel: +44-1753-574123; Fax: +44-1753-637280; e-mail: enquiries@nfer.ac.uk; Web site: http://www.nfer.ac.uk
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 68
Publication Date: 2008
Document Type: Information Analyses
Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Meta Analysis, Theory Practice Relationship, Robustness (Statistics), Achievement Gains, Integrated Services, Partnerships in Education, Early Intervention, Prevention, Leadership, Local Government, Improvement Programs, Inferences, Foreign Countries, Educational Research, Research Reports, Disadvantaged Youth, Comprehensive School Health Education
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
ISBN: 978-1-905314-78-2
Abstract: This report presents findings from a review of the best evidence on narrowing the gap in outcomes across the five Every Child Matters (ECM) areas for vulnerable groups in the context of improving outcomes for all. The review was commissioned to prepare the ground for work on "Narrowing the Gap" with participating local authorities (LAs). Although the review sought out the best empirical evidence available, there was some variation in the robustness of the evidence reviewed. In general, there was a shortage of longitudinal, robust evidence on narrowing the gap for vulnerable groups that expressly linked outcomes with practice and effectiveness. Selected findings and conclusions include: (1) Strategies that promote children's health, safety and sense of safety, and economic stability all help to provide the necessary conditions to promote effective and enjoyable learning and raise achievement; (2) Programmes and interventions to remediate disadvantage and narrow the gap in outcomes for vulnerable groups need a long-term focus; (3) There is a need for interventions to build on existing mainstream provision to aid sustainability and embed learning and effective and innovative practice; (4) Evidence supports a holistic approach to deal with the range of obstacles and negative influences that are holding children back, rather than single-issue interventions; (5) It is important to build upon the positive elements and experiences of children's and family lives; (6) Emphasis on interventions to increase resilience enables beneficiaries to develop the capacity and skills to resist adversity, cope with uncertainty and recover successfully from trauma; and (7) Interventions that focus on the whole family and involve children learning and working with their parents and care-givers are some of the most effective in supporting sustained improvements for children and preventing regression. Three appendixes include: (1) Search Strategy; (2) Literature Summary Template; and (3) Overview of the Research. (Contains 2 tables.) [For associated Executive Summary, see ED502361.]
Abstractor: ERIC
Number of References: 89
Entry Date: 2008
Accession Number: ED502360
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This report presents findings from a review of the best evidence on narrowing the gap in outcomes across the five Every Child Matters (ECM) areas for vulnerable groups in the context of improving outcomes for all. The review was commissioned to prepare the ground for work on "Narrowing the Gap" with participating local authorities (LAs). Although the review sought out the best empirical evidence available, there was some variation in the robustness of the evidence reviewed. In general, there was a shortage of longitudinal, robust evidence on narrowing the gap for vulnerable groups that expressly linked outcomes with practice and effectiveness. Selected findings and conclusions include: (1) Strategies that promote children's health, safety and sense of safety, and economic stability all help to provide the necessary conditions to promote effective and enjoyable learning and raise achievement; (2) Programmes and interventions to remediate disadvantage and narrow the gap in outcomes for vulnerable groups need a long-term focus; (3) There is a need for interventions to build on existing mainstream provision to aid sustainability and embed learning and effective and innovative practice; (4) Evidence supports a holistic approach to deal with the range of obstacles and negative influences that are holding children back, rather than single-issue interventions; (5) It is important to build upon the positive elements and experiences of children's and family lives; (6) Emphasis on interventions to increase resilience enables beneficiaries to develop the capacity and skills to resist adversity, cope with uncertainty and recover successfully from trauma; and (7) Interventions that focus on the whole family and involve children learning and working with their parents and care-givers are some of the most effective in supporting sustained improvements for children and preventing regression. Three appendixes include: (1) Search Strategy; (2) Literature Summary Template; and (3) Overview of the Research. (Contains 2 tables.) [For associated Executive Summary, see ED502361.]
ISBN:978-1-905314-78-2