The most essential things that contribute to the success of a school usually involve money, including the use of technology, hiring of teachers and use of textbooks. But a new study has found that there is one thing that can help students succeed without having to spend so much. The key is what they call the social capital.
According to the new study, students can still find success even when they are from the most disadvantaged schools with the help of the so-called social capital, Science Daily reported. The researchers from the Ohio State University define this as the relationships between school officials, teachers, community and parents that establish trust, as well as norms that are crucial in a student's academic achievement.
The study was conducted involving 96 public schools in Ohio and what the scientists have found is that the students from the schools with higher social capital performed better on state-mandated math and reading tests. The same results were found from urban schools in high poverty areas, according to OSU's official website.
In the schools where high social capital was observed, teacher were seen to have established more contact with the parents and have gained higher trust from their students. They have also been able to build and maintain a serious and orderly learning environment.
Roger Goddard, co-author of the study and Novice G. Fawcett Chair and professor of educational administration at The Ohio State University, said that findings have shown some good news, because this means that something can be done to contribute to student achievement without having to cost money, and can be made available in all schools.
The scientists have agreed on the benefits of social capital which is why they consider the results really significant. It only implies that the success of the students in school does not depend on his own or anyone else's wealth.
