Education policies should drive success and equity but in many countries they are failing to do so. Situating the cases of England and Australia within broader global policy trends, this book critically analyses what has gone wrong.
The authors draw on extensive research in education to review the impact of multiple policies on students, teachers and schools, with a focus on communities where children and young people need education most. They issue a fundamental challenge to the policy orthodoxies of recent decades and set out a blueprint for making education both better and fairer.
“A well-informed and highly engaging book by two respected scholars of education policy, which will capture the interest of policymakers and students alike.” Jake Anders, UCL Institute of Education
“This well-written book fills a gap in the current thinking on educational disadvantage, an interesting and very topical read.” Antony Hughes, The Harmony Trust
“This book will appeal to a broad readership. Its blueprint for educational change is more pressing and needed than ever.” Bob Lingard, Australian Catholic University and The University of Queensland
Ruth Lupton is Professor of Education at The University of Manchester. She researches, writes and teaches about poverty and inequality, particularly in relation to education and neighbourhoods.
Debra Hayes is Professor of Education and Equity and Head of School at Sydney School of Education and Social Work, The University of Sydney. Her research investigates inequitable effects of schooling in high poverty and difference contexts.
Setting the scene
Tests, tests, tests
Schooling that works for some but not for others
Teachers making less of a difference
Mistake #1: turning to the market
Mistake #2: letting test scores drive policy
Mistake #3: over-prescribing teachers’ work
Mistake #4: misunderstanding educational inequalities
Mistake #5: leaving education out of education policy making
Synthetic phonics: a ‘perfect storm’ of policy mistakes
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