Charter schools are promoted as a contemporary American invention. But the documented history reveals that charter schools actually evolved over the centuries in England, structured to reflect the highly stratified British class system. The last stand to hold onto the charter-school system in England was waged by Margaret Thatcher under the banner…

British standards governing school attendance have been modified and strengthened by the 1993 legislation. The required education may be received outside the public school system, but alternative schools in the private sector remain subject to control or regulation. (77 footnotes) (MLF)

The report analyzes a 1985 survey of the adequacy of materials sent by British local education authorities (LEAs) in compliance with a 1981 law requiring that authorities provide parents of children with special educational needs information concerning arrangements and policies for identification and assessment, the placement process, and appeal…

"Focussing on Equal Rights in Teacher Education (TE)" (Davies); "Place of Women in TE" (Maguire, Weiner); "UN Convention on the Rights of the Child" (Osler); "Parents and Entitlement" (Holden et al.); "International Political Development and Democratic TE" (Harber); "Equal Rights in the…

This article discusses legal developments relating to the 1981 Education Act in Great Britain, focusing on court interpretation in the areas of parental rights and participation, wider integration of students with special needs into ordinary schools, defining a special educational need, reassessments, and repayment of fees. Possible future trends…

Identifies how the legal regulation of sex education in Great Britain incorporates conflicting problematizations of HIV/AIDS and childhood sexuality through constructing distinct categories within the curriculum and legitimizing distinct roles for teachers, parents, and health professionals. Explains why school-based sex education fails to be a…

The role of parent choice in publicly funded education in six selected nations is examined. Focusing upon education in developed Western democracies, this study is intended to be instructive to U.S. education as it examines the interplay between state-mandated universal education and parents' right of choice. Twenty-five national education systems…

This booklet summarizes Part 3 of the 1993 Education Act (Great Britain) which makes major changes to the way local education authorities (LEAs) and schools must identify and provide for children's special educational needs. Following a listing of specific changes between this Act and the 1981 Education Act, the booklet briefly summarizes…

Sixty-six local education authorities (LEAs) in England and Wales responded to a request for sets of guidelines on the 1981 Education Act they have provided for headteachers, teaching staff, and educational psychologists. The Act recommends that parents and older children be fully involved as partners in the process of assessment and placement of…

Asserts that there is a tension between the idea that society is composed of free, rational beings and the view that one group should set themselves up as arbiters for what others should read. Discusses parental rights and the role of parents in determining what books are suitable for children. (CFR)

Argues that some educators view the integration of children with special needs into regular schools as a fundamental right. Examines British government statistics relating to the education of special needs children and examines the rights of the children and their parents. (CFR)

Maintains the Holocaust is part of the national history curriculum for all 11-14 year olds in England and Wales. Examines ethical and pedagogical issues involved in teaching the subject, concern about promoting antisemitism, freedom of speech, and the right of parents to withdraw their children from this part of the curriculum. (CFR)