Children from a given family background, when put in schools of different social compositions, will achieve at quite different levels.
James S. ColemanA child's learning is a function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher.
James S. ColemanIn every school, more boys wanted to be remembered as a star athlete than as a brilliant student.
James S. ColemanGrades are almost completely relative, in effect ranking students relative to others in their class. Thus extra achievement by one student not only raises his position, but in effect lowers the position of others.
James S. Coleman