A child's learning is a function more of the characteristics of his classmates than those of the teacher.
James S. ColemanIt is clear from all these data that the interests of teenagers are not focused around studies, and that scholastic achievement is at most of minor importance in giving status or prestige to an adolescent in the eyes of other adolescents.
James S. ColemanIf we refuse to accept as inevitable the irresponsibility and educational unconcern of the adolescent culture, then this poses a serious challenge.
James S. ColemanSchools are successful only insofar as they reduce the dependence of a child's opportunities upon his social origins.
James S. Coleman