This paper is concerned with the longstanding question of policy for those referred to nearly half a century ago by the Crowther Report as the "bottom half"; those mainly working class children who, in a sense, are "selected for failure". The issue of selection is a matter of concern in countries around the world and has been at the centre of…

The British Labour Party has continued to make progress on education, following two broad policy paths and adopting a pragmatic approach that does not attempt to force these to cross or converge. One path is that of the quasi market inherited from the previous Conservative administration; the other is characterised as "intervention" to support…

Investigates the recruitment of new teachers with minority ethnic backgrounds using the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses in England. Curriculum uses interviews with staff at teacher training institutions. Reports there are differences among institutions related to attracting minority ethnic students. Includes references. (CMK)

Investigates administrative processes involved in setting up the School Organization Committee (SOC) in one Shire County in England. Examines the role of the SOC and the implications for central-local power relations in the development of educational policy. (CMK)

Examines the communitarian argument on schools, families, and youth culture expounded in Amitai Etzioni's influential book, "The Spirit of Community." In lieu of detailed policy proposals, Etzioni's readers are challenged to a general change in attitudes and values. Includes a discussion of Ray Pahl's critique of communitarianism. (MJP)

Examines and criticizes theories and arguments in contemporary sociology of education and points out limitations in these theories. Topics discussed include the Labour Party's contributions to educational policy, education and democratic socialism, and political education in the curriculum. For journal availability, see SO 507 999. (Author/DB)