State Schools

"The Conservatives left New Labour a sharply divided system of schools, particularly at the secondary level, but the 'standards not structures' principle adopted by Labour ministers has meant a neglect of the need to devise fair and equitable selection and admissions policies. At the same time, the early emphasis on 'naming and shaming' the so-called 'worst performing' schools and more recent proposals to introduce performance-related pay and new 'fast-track' schemes to reward 'high-performing' teachers have done little to solve the thorny issue of low morale in the teaching force and the crisis in teacher supply." "In this wide-ranging book, a team of ten contributors, largely comprising headteachers and former heads, analyses the agenda of the Labour Government, taking into account both the legacy of the preceding administration and the educational challenges of the new millennium."--Jacket.