A new study has uncovered a troubling trend in Irish education, revealing that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately placed in lower-ability maths groups, potentially limiting their future academic and career opportunities.
The research comes at a critical time when Irish girls are experiencing a significant decline in maths and science performance. Experts are raising alarm about the systemic barriers that are pushing girls from poorer families into lower academic tracks, particularly in mathematical subjects.
The findings suggest more than just an academic challenge. They point to a deeper socioeconomic issue where girls from less affluent backgrounds are consistently being channeled into lower-ability learning groups, a trend that is now extending beyond maths into reading skills.
According to the Irish Examiner, this educational inequality could have long-lasting consequences, potentially restricting future career paths and perpetuating economic disadvantage. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to support girls from low-income families and ensure they have equal opportunities to excel in STEM subjects.
Education experts are calling for a comprehensive approach to address these disparities, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support systems that can help break the cycle of educational inequality.