Key Issues in Education Policy
- Stephen Ward - University of Bath Spa
- Christine Eden - University of Bath Spa
Education Studies: Key Issues
'Education Policy is increasingly complex and opaque - this timely book brings clarity and reason to bear and is an ideal starting point for students and teachers struggling to understand the political world in which they work' - Professor Stephen J Ball, Institute of Education, University of London
What effect has two decades of intensive state direction and government involvement had on education?
Designed for Education Studies students who have probably grown up in this context of government intervention, this book deconstructs accepted notions and provides readers with the resources to discuss critically the role of the governments in education and schooling. The book examines government policy in a series of key areas, such as the curriculum, market forces, educational inequality and race issues. Throughout it considers the political and economic factors in education policy, introducing some of the fundamental concepts required to analyse the ideologies of education and the state. The authors explore the role of education policy in the context of the general direction of government policy, politics and the economy, making links with other policy areas such as health, social services, home affairs and foreign policy. They also explain the nature of government policy in terms of a globalization and the knowledge economy.
Whilst the book is very informative, it did not meet the requirements of the programme in enough accuracy.
This text offers and in-depth insight into the key issues of education policy and maps these back within a historical, social, cultural and political contexts. A particularly good chapter on Gender and Education Policy - very informative
An excellent text book for learners in the PGCE in compulsory education who need to learn the key aspects of how education has evolved over the years from the 1970’s to the present day. The sub-headings make the book easy to use and help in locating required information easily.
All chapters begin with a useful if somewhat small introduction. At the end of each chapter the book contains a small conclusion for the chapter, a list of recommended reading and references which is a useful inclusion.
Reader tasks also provide useful extension activities to expand knowledge and facilitate the exploration of potentially fruitful avenues.
It is not until Chapter 10 when Dtlls learners can identify with some of the contents (PCE aspects of teaching).
Overall a useful introduction to current theory and thought in the field of education policy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and have found it useful for both second year Cert Ed/PGCE students and those undertaking BAEd studies.
I found it highly readable, very interesting and it would give any reader a very good grounding in the political involvement in education, which in turn is very useful for students working on Curriculum studies and the concept of Professionalism. It is a very good book for staff to have and use for reference. I must admit it will become one that I refer to again and again.
At last a book that enables students to engage critically with the policy framework. As a volume, it models to students how they can get beyond taking policy at face value, and see it as a contested and messy set of processes. However, because the context is almost entirely England, we will have to do a lot of translating to help them apply such a frame to the Scottish policy context which is very significantly different. The chapter on Education and the State makes some claims that are plain wrong in relation to Scotland. This has its plus side, in that we can discuss the inaccuracies with students, but if this book goes to a second edition, maybe the most glaring mistakes (e.g. use of 'UK' instead of England when referring to English policy) could be amended.
Some useful section, but depends on which module students have selected. Covers the main issues of education policy.
Have ordered five more copies for the library.
Excellent overview with comprehensive recommended readings and bibliography
Education policy is a moving feast at the moment. Much of which is contained in here is already out of date. Awaiting a new edition with the new administration.
An excellent book with appropriate information at this level for students looking at education policy
This book arrived just as one of my colleagues was about to teach a module in Education Policy. He seemed pretty impressed with it and indicated it will be adopted for the module.
