Education Policy Unravelled (Second edition)

Book Abstract
Gillian Forrester and Dean Garratt critically examine the nature of contemporary education policy, its purposes and political formation. In this thoroughly revised edition Forrester and Garratt deal with a broad range of substantive issues relating to a variety of policy-making themes, including race, identity and citizenship in the context of education for improvement or control, social justice, primary education, early years, post-compulsory education, the economics of education, inclusive schools and globalization. In each case Forrester and Garratt chart educational change and the continuity of policy development along neoliberal lines, taking an historical perspective and moving towards the current Conservative government. They draw attention to the strong similarities and nuanced disagreements between successive modern governments. In this new edition Forrester and Garratt include: the developments in reforms in education which took place under the Coalition administration between 2010-2015; a brand new chapter on early years policy; a brand new chapter on inclusive schools, special educational needs and disability; new activities and illustrative case studies to challenge and inform student’s thinking and understanding around key policy issues; a discussion of new research and recent legislation to illuminate important and emergent issues in education. Using concrete examples and pertinent illustrations from a variety of sources Forrester and Garratt unravel some of the complexities involved in contemporary policy analysis and critique and bring life to the field of education policy. Forrester and Garratt write in an accessible style and, as such, Education Policy Unravelled is an invaluable guide for engaging students with education policy.