A recent investigation of primary teachers' epistemological beliefs concerning the teaching and learning of mathematics discovered that teachers' beliefs cannot be said to form neat world views. Teachers' hybrid world views often included epistemological beliefs that supported teaching approaches which evidence suggests leads to greater conceptual…

Numerous definitions of literacy have been advanced by policy-makers, politicians, academics, teachers and others over the years. It is not always easy, however, to know how one definition might relate to another or differ from it. This paper offers a framework, based on the work of the educational philosopher Israel Scheffler, for identifying and…

The purpose of this study was to establish the usage of research and theory in the teaching of English language in secondary schools in Botswana. Altogether 100 questionnaires were administered in 19 secondary schools. The results of this study indicate that teachers rarely ever refer to language research in their teaching. Less value was also…

This article traces the development of policy in regard to the provision for children with special educational needs from the report of the Special Education Review Committee in 1993 to the enactment of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act in 2004. It begins with definitions of the terms special educational needs and pupils…

The increasing research on international organisations' education policy lacks analyses of the relation between international organisations and nation states. This paper aims to analyse the power of nation states in international education policy. Focusing on the new degree system in higher education in Europe, partly from Foucault's…

This article investigates the experience of individual learners who have been allocated learning support in the further education system in England. The particular focus is on interviewees' constructions of their emotional and psychic experiences. Through the adoption of a psycho-social perspective, learners' tendency to "idealise" their learning…

We draw on empirical data and theorising that focuses on the relationship between the state, public policy and knowledge in the construction and configuration of school leadership under New Labour from 1997. Specifically we show how a school leadership policy network comprises people in different locations who operate as policy entrepreneurs in…

The concept of inclusive education is a relatively new phenomenon within the Irish education system, with considerable developments in government policy only occurring since the early 1990s. These developments are aiming to advance special education provisions and legislation for individuals with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN).…

The 15th Anniversary of the Los Angeles riots serves as an impetus to continue efforts in addressing how institutionalized theories, norms, and practices in schools and society lead to social, political, economic, and educational inequalities. The challenges of school inequalities continue to be chronic and remain unresolved through traditional…

Presents results of a curriculum innovation in a British inner-city school. Reports a revival of motivation and a successful educational experience for a group of students who had been expected to fail. Describes a program in which all students could participate in helping anyone they felt needed help. Discusses work experience, community service,…

Describes the controversy about the role and activities of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications (England). Discusses the primary weaknesses of the council and its competency-based education and training strategies. Suggests that the only solution may be to abolish the present system of academic and vocational qualifications. (CFR)

Considers the role of informal networks in securing occupational advantage for graduates of British "public" schools. Discusses the private sector's official view of the situation and the experiences of recent students. Reports that the official view is of a meritocratic situation, whereas individual students believe personal connections are more…

Reports on a study of 135 Russian and 279 U.S. teachers on the importance of 11 broad educational goals. Finds that U.S. teachers were most committed to basic skills development and critical thinking. Finds that Russian teachers were most supportive of interpersonal understanding, human relations, and ethical well-being. (CFR)

Reports on an interview and mail questionnaire of a group of 65 new private Christian schools in Great Britain. Finds wide diversity among the schools and discusses why the schools were established. Describes the ways that a biblically based curriculum is developed and implemented. (CFR)

Reviews the Standard Assessment Tasks used to evaluate pupil performance relative to the National Curriculum in England and Wales. Asserts that the system of assigning students to one of 10 levels of attainment is criterion-referenced, whereas the test is norm-referenced. (CFR)