Reflective essay

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For the purpose of this reflective essay I am going to concentrate on educational disadvantage at second level and traveller education. Education Disadvantage refers to a situation whereby individuals in society derive less benefit from the education system than their peers.

It is an issue that has grown in significance in educational and social policy arenas in Ireland in recent years. It can be considered to be a factor that perpetuates intergenerational poverty. Education disadvantage is defined by the Education Act (DES, 1997b:32) as;

"The impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from education in schools"

President McAleese referred to educational disadvantage for young people who "find the gates of opportunity firmly shut or who lack the insight, the support or the maturity of judgement to recognise and commit to the education and training which is on offer at this crucial stage in their lives"

In my opinion education disadvantage is a multi-dimensional problem, it is a symptom of a wider range of issues. These issues may include:

(i) Children welfare needs

(ii) Lack of family commitment in education &

(iii)