Local Schools Network publishes 'School Myths' by Melissa Benn & Janet Downs; essential reading for 2015!

Francis Gilbert's picture
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'School Myths' explodes all the popular myths that many people hold about education. It shows why comprehensive education has not failed but succeeded triumphantly against the odds. It reveals the truth about Local Education Authorities; far from holding schools back, they liberate them, enabling them to work within a supportive context. It proves that marketization in education has led to a decrease in educational standards in various jurisdictions around the world. Later chapters show how we've been misled by the Coalition government about the benefits of private education and state schools which are independent from local authority control, namely academies and free schools. The book also examines in depth the myths surrounding progressive education and the need for teachers to be qualified. You can buy the e-book here.
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Comments

Brian's picture
Tue, 03/02/2015 - 19:02

Read it in one sitting. A superb expose of the current misuse of data and other 'evidence'. Not to be read by anyone concerned with education who is already suffering from high blood pressure.

Melissa and Janet should be congratulated. All politicians should be made to read this book.

Michele -Lowe's picture
Wed, 04/02/2015 - 12:54

I'm ordering my copy today. Well done! Living in Wales I do worry that so many of the myths about standards and PISA leagues coming from the DfE affect the thinking here about the right approach to delivering education. I was very heartened, however, listening to You and Yours (R4) yesterday and hearing Brian Lightman General Secretary of the Association of Schools and College Leaders summing up the history of academies. In answer to the question about interest from the other home nations in academisation, he replied: "We're not detecting any interest in the other nations".


James Harvey's picture
Wed, 04/02/2015 - 21:39

How do we get copies of this in the United States? When I tried to purchase the e-book, I was told it was only available via Kindle in the United Kingdom.

Is there a hard copy available that one can purchase?

James Harvey's picture
Thu, 05/02/2015 - 09:33

Thank you. That works!


Paul Hopkins's picture
Fri, 29/05/2015 - 10:53

I am trying to access the book but getting a "not found" link from amazon?


Janet Downs's picture
Fri, 29/05/2015 - 12:13

Paul - that's because a print version is being prepared. It will be up-dated and contain some extra material. This will take some time I'm afraid - it's not expected to go on sale before the Autumn. However, extracts are available here (with links to other extracts).

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