ABSTRACT

With contributions from Linda Darling-Hammond, Michael Fullan, Pasi Sahlberg, and Martin Carnoy, Global Education Reform is an eye-opening analysis of national educational reforms and the types of high-achieving systems needed to serve all students equitably. The collection documents the ideologically and educationally distinctive approaches countries around the world have taken to structuring their education systems. Focusing on three pairs of case studies written by internationally acclaimed experts, the book provides a powerful analysis of the different ends of an ideological spectrum----from strong state investments in public education to market-based approaches.

An introductory chapter offers an overview of the theories guiding both neoliberal reforms such as those implemented in Chile, Sweden and the United States with efforts to build strong and equitable public education systems as exemplified by Cuba, Finland and Canada. The pairs of case studies that follow examine the historical evolution of education within an individual country and compare and contrast national educational outcomes. A concluding chapter dissects the educational outcomes of the differing economic and governance approaches, as well as the policy implications.

chapter 1|15 pages

Privatization or Public Investment?

A Global Question

chapter 2|34 pages

Chile

A Long-Term Neoliberal Experiment and its Impact on the Quality and Equity of Education

chapter 4|37 pages

From Citizens to Consumers

The Transformation of Democratic Ideals into School Markets in Sweden

chapter 5|21 pages

The Finnish Paradox

Equitable Public Education Within a Competitive Market Economy

chapter 6|38 pages

The Critical Choice in American Education

Privatization or Public Investment?

chapter 8|32 pages

Privatization and Public Investment

Is the Invisible Hand a Magic Wand?