Abstracts » Business, international

Caning the teachers

Article Abstract:

The United Kingdom prime minister, Tony Blair, aims to reform British schools, and sees some teachers as opposed to change and so his enemies. The ruling Labor party's ideas on schools have been developed from those of the previous Conservative administrations, and include league tables of school performance, and usage of the private sector for some schools seen as performing poorly. The government also aims to introduce performance-related pay, and to persuade head teachers to introduce this. This gives greater power to head teachers, and can involve teachers and their labor unions in opposition to heads.

Elementary & Secondary Schools, Education

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Journey up the learning curve

Article Abstract:

There is a need for reform of the British education system judging by the poor levels of literacy of many adults, but teachers' labor unions have tended to oppose moves toward reform. Increased spending levels do not correlate with a better quality education, and smaller classes only appear to make a difference for pupils up to seven-years-old. The leadership provided by head teachers, and good teaching methods appear to be important. Whole class teaching appears to be more effective than setting individual projects for students.

Schools

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Ripon's choice

Article Abstract:

Parents in Yorkshire, England, have voted to retain Ripon Grammar School, and this vote is seen as a test case for a system allowing parents to decide on the fate of selective schools. Secondary education is characterised by selection in Britain, and this is the case outside grammar schools. Pupils may be selected according to where they live, or aptitude, in the comprehensive school system. The government should have recognized that selection persists, even among comprehensive schools.

Political aspects

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