Higher Standards Better Schools For All

The White Paper sets out the Government's proposals to further reform the management of schools in England, with the aim of creating a system shaped by parental choice where schools have greater autonomy in admissions policy. Proposals include: i) the role of local education authorities confined to being a local commissioner of services rather than an education provider, with a focus on raising standards through spreading best practice and championing parental choice; ii) each school able to acquire a self-governing trust status (similar to the network of Academies) or become a self-governing foundation school; iii) an increased role for new providers and the creation of a national Schools Commissioner to drive change and to promote the development of trust schools; iv) an expansion in the number of Academies to 200 by the year 2010 and easier provision for independent schools to enter the state system; v) the weakest schools to be given one year to improve standards or face closure, whilst high performing schools will have reduced bureaucracy and a lighter touch inspection regime; vi) increased provision for free school transport for poorer pupils; and vii) the introduction of a right for teachers to discipline pupils.

The Committee's report examines the human rights implications of the proposals set out in the Government's White Paper "Higher standards, better schools for all: more choice for parents and pupils" (Cm 6677, ISBN 0101667728) published in October 2005 and the risk of incompatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights. The discussion focuses on the proposed measures to reform school governance by creating a system of independent self-governing state schools freed from local authority control and directed by parental choice, with greater emphasis on diversity of school provider and the operation of market principles. The report highlights a number of concerns relating to Trust schools, including: the need to clarify their status as "functional public authorities" under the Human Rights Act 1998; the lack of right of access to an independent tribunal to appeal against exclusions; provision for children with special educational needs (SEN); flexibility over curriculum content; and the operation of admission policies.

In this groundbreaking and forward-looking resource, Rita Cheminais clearly explains the impact of the Every Child Matters agenda for teachers working in a range of educational settings. Based on the latest national legislation and developments in education, the book provides an up-to-the-minute guide on how to respond to the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for teachers as extended schools develop. Coverage includes: An overview of the Every Child Matters Change for Children Programme and its impact on schools and teachers in learning communities How to access personalised learning opportunities for a diversity of learners New roles and responsibilities for teachers working with other paraprofessionals from within schools and from external services School self-evaluation, quality assurance and monitoring the five Every Child Matters outcomes aligned with the OFSTED inspection framework This accessible and user-friendly book provides a wealth of practical resources, including photocopiable sheets and positive solution-focused advice, to support busy teachers trying to keep pace with the amount of new legislation regarding the Change for Children Programme. It is also ideal for all those involved in supporting teachers in schools in responding to new ways of working – senior managers, advisers, inspectors, educational psychologists, ITE lecturers and health and social services professionals.

'Every school a great school' is not just a slogan, but an aspiration for the next stage of education reform, in which each student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The book argues that, for 'every school a great school' to become a reality, requires a move from individual school improvement efforts and short term objectives to a sustainable system-wide response that seeks to re-establish a balance between national prescription and schools leading reform. Achieving this goal requires strategies that not only continue to raise standards, but also build capacity within the system. David Hopkins identifies four key educational 'drivers' that, if pursued, have the potential to deliver 'every school a great school': Personalized learning Professionalized teaching Networking and innovation Intelligent accountability The author believes that it is the responsibility of system leaders to mould the four drivers to fit individual school contexts. It is this leadership that enables systemic reform to be generic in terms of overall strategy and specific in adapting to individual and particular situations. Every School a Great School is inspirational reading for head teachers, senior leaders and managers, researchers, lecturers and those with a passionate interest in improving education for all.

Meeting the Needs of Your Most Able Pupils: Mathematics provides specific guidance on: recognising high ability and potential planning, differentiation, extension and enrichment in Mathematicss teacher questioning skills support for more able pupils with special educational needs (dyslexia, ADHD, sensory impairment) homework recording and assessment beyond the classroom: visits, competitions, summer schools, masterclasses, links with universities, businesses and other organisations. The book includes comprehensive appendices with linked resources available online that feature: lesson plans and examples of activities departmental procedures and action plans identification strategies guidance on auditing provision for more able pupils. This book is an essential resource for secondary teachers, subject heads of departments, leading teachers for G&T Education (gifted and talented co-ordinators), SENCos and LA advisers.

- How effective school partnerships can enhance the quality of teaching and learning, and the creation of more vibrant, cost-effective provision. - How business and industry can take on a more strategic and structured role in the construction of meaningful learning experiences. - How high-quality local authorities can foster personalized provision in their own area. The success of personalizing learning in schools depends on the effective working together of all parties that form the education system. This book examines the roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders: national government, local authorities, partnerships of schools and the world of business and industry. The authors expose how the current system fails a significant number of young people and the economic well-being of the nation, and present a realistic alternative perspective based upon examples of current practice at local and national level. This growing base of evidence signposts how the learning experiences of students can be truly transformed through innovative and effective teaching and learning.

Focusing on education as a major area of public policy, this book explores a decade of rapid and intensive modernization and draws out the lessons for those concerned with developing education systems across the globe.

Neo-liberalism, which has become the dominant economic doctrine in capitalist societies, is transforming education policy and practice. This book will provide a theoretical analysis of the new governance of education and suggest ways in which professionals and practitioners can respond to the challenges they experience.