This paper uses Anderson's notion of 'imagined community' to argue that how people think about the publicness of their school system provides insight into the functioning and flourishing of communities, societies and nations. We focus on the privatisation of public schooling in Alberta, Canada and Northern England to highlight tensions between the…

The philosophical debate on educational justice currently focusses on the Anglo-American situation. This essay brings in an additional perspective. It provides a justice-oriented critique of the segregated education systems in German-speaking countries. First, arguments that are commonly put forward in favour of these systems are rejected. Second,…

This is an article about secondary schools in England, and what type of school is fair and efficient for a national education system. It discusses what "fair" could mean in this context, summarises some key policy revisions since 1944 in this light, and reminds readers of the damage caused by unfairness within education. Most notably it…

Income inequality has been rising in Britain for two decades and wealth is also more unequally distributed now than when New Labour first came to power. Various factors have contributed to this, including education which, according to the PISA 2006 data, has more unequal outcomes in the UK than in all but 2 of the 29 tested countries. Comparative…

Reports on the United Kingdom's experience with comprehensive secondary education as a method of providing equal educational opportunity. Concludes that the trend toward compulsory equality, as represented by the comprehensive secondary school seems irreversible. (Author/IRT)

Two views of the introduction of comprehensive secondary education into England and Wales are examined: that it is an episode connected directly to postwar building of the welfare state, and destined to fail; and represents a fundamental and permanent shift in the perception of what secondary education should attempt. (MSE)

The French ideal of comprehensive secondary education was based on a notion of equal educational opportunity through standardized schooling that was becoming politically outmoded as it was being implemented. Plans for truly comprehensive lower secondary education have not been very significant, and the comprehensive schools for students from 11-15…

Discusses implications of the new Scottish parliament for socially inclusive, comprehensive secondary education and assesses the role of local government in education in the context of the new government. Argues in favor of radical renewal of the principles of comprehensive education and the development of active citizenship through education.…

Focuses on the struggle that occurred within the Association for Science Education (ASE) between 1976 and 1981 as it formulated its policy for school science education. Addresses policy and the ASE's inability to respond quickly to changes in education, such as science education for all. (CMK)

Research results are collated and presented concerning the change in Finland from a binary system of education to a more unitary system, the "comprehensive school," involving a single primary school (grades one through nine) and a choice between vocational and senior secondary school (grades ten through twelve). The new system, being…

Describes the integrated comprehensive school (ICS) in Germany, where, as of 1988, 90 percent of all students attended traditional schools. Traces the history of comprehensive schools in Germany and examines their philosophy and objectives. States comprehensive schooling cannot create equal social entitlements but can encourage all students to…

High schools and teacher training institutions in the United States exhibit different characteristics than those exhibited by similar schools in other countries. These differences are rooted in America's history and help explain why secondary education and higher education in America are not coordinated in ways that consistently promote…