Making a Difference in Education

What works in education - and what doesn't? This book offers a highly readable guide to what the latest research says about improving young people's outcomes in pre-school, primary and secondary education. Never has this issue been more topical as the UK attempts to compete in the global economy against countries with increasingly educated and skilled work forces. The book asks whether education policy in the UK has really been guided by the evidence. Why have the failings of Britain's educational system been so resistant to change? What have been the success stories? Can we do better?

The book looks at early years; at primary education, with a special focus on reading and numeracy; and at all aspects of secondary education up to age 16. It asks what makes an effective school? What makes a good teacher? What works best for disadvantaged pupils? How does the UK evidence compare with experience in the US, and in the countries with the best educational records - Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, South Korea? This is essential reading for anyone who wants to know about the effectiveness of UK education policy and practice, and where they should be going. As a comprehensive research review, the book will also be a lasting work of reference, essential reading for faculty and students in education and social policy.

The authors have considerable experience in education evaluation methods, and have contributed significantly to the research the book covers. Prof Cassen was the lead author of the Rowntree Report, Tackling Low Educational Achievement. Besides her extensive other publications, Prof Vignoles has published research on a range of education policy issues and recently reviewed cost-benefit analysis in education for the Department of Education.