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2 - Promoting Equity in Education through System Change

Lessons from the United Kingdom

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 November 2021

Colleen McLaughlin
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Alan Ruby
Affiliation:
University of Pennsylvania
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Summary

This chapter explores the issue of the development of systems of education and whether it is possible to develop education systems that are both excellent and equitable, since many reform programmes result in increased inequality. Mel Ainscow was centrally involved in the Challenge programme. The first, The London Challenge (1997–2010), raised pupil attainment and in an equitable manner. It was seen as highly successfull. This chapter explores the whole Challenge programme, including Manchester and Wales, and the cultural, political and social factors seen as contributing to success, as well as the limitations. Ainscow argues against an emerging model of ‘what works’ in the implementation of policy and change of educational systems. He concludes by saying that successful change requires the coming together of different perspectives and experiences in a process of social learning and knowledge creation within particular settings.

Type
Chapter
Information
Implementing Educational Reform
Cases and Challenges
, pp. 17 - 40
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2021

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