Key Issues in Education Policy

Stephen Ward is Head of Education and Childhood Studies at Bath Spa University.

′Written with education studies students in mind, this book would also be a useful handbook for practising education professionals seeking insight into the political context of the settings within which they work...This is not a ′how to′ text: the reader tasks enable reflection and understanding, rather than suggesting action - an approach which I personally find refreshing...This text performs its function well and enables readers to gain insight and understanding of aspects of education which we cannot afford to ignore′ - Learning and Teaching Update ′Ward and Eden have produced a useful and elegant text which deserves a place on the reading list of any education degree. I certainly hope that its readership goes beyond the most obvious target audience, as anyone involved in education would do well to read and enjoy this text′ - ESCalate′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

• Introduction: Education and the stateEducation in the marketplaceInequalities and the school systemSpecialist schools and academiesThe curriculum and state knowledgeTeaching and assessmentTeacher training, Education Studies and the universitiesGender and educational policyRace, religion and social cohesionPoverty and social class: Every Child Matters