The higher the social class of other students the higher any given student's achievement.
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. ColemanThe educational resources provided by a child's fellow students are more important for his achievement than are the resources provided by the school board.
James S. ColemanIn every school, more boys wanted to be remembered as a star athlete than as a brilliant student.
James S. Coleman