Sets and how we can avoid perpetuating some of the problems they can bring. A thread, probably.
The evidence on the effectiveness of sets vs mixed ability is really limited. I have taught for 17 years in 3 schools and have taught strict sets, mixed ability, and a hybrid. 1/7

I don't want to comment on my current classes but I am happy to say that over the years, I have taught many 'bottom' sets. I use scare quotes because the word is unfortunate. I don't like 'low' or 'nurture' either, tbh. I am not in denial about their prior attainment. But... 2/7

I am acutely aware of these classes perceptions of themselves. They know - 100% - that they are not at the higher end. They know that they don't find reading easy. Some have never learned to read. This doesn't mean that they can't see and understand the world around them... 3/7

...and pick up on the implications of the langauge. We blushingly grope for euphemisms to make them feel better about it, but they *know* what group they are in.

One of the ways that we can counter this cycle which perpetuates a self-fulfilling prophecy 4/7

...is by *treating them the same* as the other students, and ensuring that they know that our expectations are just as high. These low sets do not need gimmicks, or toys, or primary-coloured stationery, or plastic prizes. They need to know that we will teach them to read. 5/7

They need to know that we expect the same effort from them as we do from our top sets. They need to know that we believe that they can do it. I'm not particularly sold on Growth Mindset (yet) but if we are to avoid patronising and devaluing some of our most vulnerable 6/7

...young people then the babying needs to stop. Yes, we can care for them and nurture them. We can show unrelenting kindness and fresh starts every lesson. But we can also help them by making them feel as though they are valued people and not a pet project. We can do better. 7/7