Key Issues in Education Policy
- Stephen Ward - University of Bath Spa
- Christine Eden - University of Bath Spa
Education Studies: Key Issues
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 analyze 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.
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.
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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.
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Reader tasks also provide useful extension activities to expand knowledge and facilitate the exploration of potentially fruitful avenues.
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It is not until Chapter 10 when Dtlls learners can identify with some of the contents (PCE aspects of teaching).
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Overall a useful introduction to current theory and thought in the field of education policy.
This text is more very easy to understand and jargon free for students of education policy, however I am not recommending it for my students as it is very heavily focused on the UK system, with a lot of specifically UK statistics and examples which my Irish students may find off putting for a core text.
Interesting text that provides some very useful supplementary information- particularly for top-end students
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.
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.
Key topics discussed and clearly examined- highly beneficial for students looking to reflect on the impact of policy in today's climate; further information though regarding the Welsh side of education policy would be beneficial in future
A must for anyone looking at educational issues. This book is informative, crtitical and challenges the status quo.
Very good resource for anyone wishing to research any issues within education sectors policies.
A recommended read for undergraduates at all levels who are interested in social justice and the role of educational policy.
