Introduction

Education exists within a complex and changing world and many learners face a variety of risk factors – conditions, circumstances, situations, or events – that threaten to negatively impact upon their development and achievement. These factors include disability, race, gender, poverty, violence, and natural disasters. It is adversities such as these that this book addresses – what they are, how they impact on learners, and how to successfully address them. Uniquely, Overcoming Adversity in Education takes an international approach, with structured chapters by experts from around the world, to inform successful local practices. The book explains why understanding adversity in education is so important, and explores, through practical case studies, ways in which individuals, institutions, and cultures/societies can help create positive outcomes for learners. The reader will find, and be able to draw upon, exemplars of practice that illustrate the principles of creating and implementing successful proactive approaches, interventions, and coping strategies.