“…Other critical sociology scholars have also challenged the undisclosed pathological meaning within the term ‘students at risk’. They assert that young people are marginalised by unfair societal structures of which schooling is one, and turn the problem upon schools and educational systems rather than allowing the problem to reside solely with the student (Bills, Cook, & Wexler, 2015; Smyth, 2010; Smyth, Angus, Down, & Mcinerney, 2008; Smyth & Hattam, 2002; Smyth, Hattam, & Cannon, 2004, Smyth et al., 2003). There can be little doubt from the accumulating research evidence that as conditions conducive to learning in schools deteriorate through emphases on accountability, standards, measurement, and high stakes testing, that increasing numbers of students of colour and those from urban, working class, and minority backgrounds are making active choices that school is not for them.
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