The QTS Debate
“So, is it a good idea to remove the requirement for QTS to be acquired eventually by all teachers? No, it isn’t. In my view, it’s a terrible idea that will have serious long-term consequences.” Tom Sherrington looks at the current debate on qualified teacher status.
Most read posts this week 1st November 2013
Here’s the most read frontline and independent blogs this week based on their combined views on Guerilla Policy and Guerilla Feed – from the Work Programme school accountability, foodbanks to revolution.
Paxman, Hunt and the QTS issue
“The point is that there is a need to establish a base line to protect the profession – and children – against attempts to cut corners and teachers who haven’t understood the basics of the job.” In light of Tristram Hunt’s recent Newsnight interview, Education for Everyone looks at the debate on unqualified teachers.
Best frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 21st October 2013 – from housing policy to education and welfare reform, the Immigration Bill and finally Russell Brand on politics.
2016 accountability measures: the next battle for CEIAG in schools
“…the inclusion (or not) of destination data in these new accountability measures …will have a greater impact on school leaders consideration of CEIAG in their planning.” Russell George examines the Government’s proposed changes to school accountability measures - and the implications for those involved in careers education and guidance.
Lest we forget
“As it is I think the purveyors of that particular idea would be best served in remembering that the people they are talking to aren’t completely stupid. The only stupid thing here is the idea that less qualified means more able. In what perverse Universe does that sound sensible?” Mike Cameron looks at the current debate on hiring unqualified teachers.
Best frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 14th October 2013 – from the new ‘social contract’ to welfare reform and the bedroom tax to the teachers strike and the Ofsted report on the Al-Madinah free school.
Al-Madinah inadequacies highlight wider weaknesses
“The Ofsted report into the Al-Madinah school in Derby is damning. Extremely damning. Inspectors highlighted a catalogue of shortcomings that have resulted in the school being taken into special measures.” Toby Blume argues that the Al-Madinah school highlights the inadequacies of the current free schools process.
We strike because we care
“We’re the people who help your children towards the academic achievements that make you feel proud of them. We, like you, spend a lot of time anxiously worrying about your children. We are striking because we care and you should support us.” Truthful Classroom sets out why teachers are striking.
Succeeding is better than #winning
“Now for two statements of the bleeding obvious. One, we need more schools. No if, no buts. We need more schools. Two, we are where we are.” Mike Cameron argues that we need more schools and sets out four ways to make the system work better.
Frontline stories – My darkest school days
“Over the years, working in a range of contexts, I’ve encountered some extraordinary scenarios that have challenged me immensely. Being a teacher isn’t always about teaching…” Tom Sherrington shares some challenging stories from his teaching experience.
Is Michael Gove lying to us all?
“You mentioned before, your intention to give teachers more freedom and autonomy. It’s certainly getting no better for me, no matter what you say.” Cazzypots wonders why teaching is increasingly dictated by ‘improvement’ fads - and where is Michael Gove in all this.
Frontline Friday 11th October: Our favourite frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 7th October 2013 – from education, welfare reform to mental health and social care.
Bye bye, Mr Twigg
“No more setting up committees of “experts” to tell us what our policies are. No more vague promises about “evidence” that mean nothing and suggest we are refusing to spell out our values.” After Stephen Twigg, Andrew Old argues that Labour needs a new approach to education policy.
Methods for attaining league table altitude
“The problems start when the numbers required are beyond the capabilities of the local system, here subject leaders are faced with three choices: cheat, tell the truth and face the consequences or chase the target while, arguably, doing the wrong thing by the students.” Leonard James explains how schools can game the league table system.
It’s because I agree with Gove about the curriculum that I disagree with him about pay and conditions
“A lot of the comments on why people are striking leave me cold. Too many people on too many hobby horses. Too many people complaining that Gove hates teachers or that opposing the education establishment is indefensible…” Andrew Old sets out his views on this week’s teachers’ strike.
Reflections on primary research interviews with young offenders in London
“When you consider the complexity of adolescence and the transition to adulthood the road that young people travel is bordered by opportunity and, depending on choices made, taking those opportunities can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.” Simon Claridge shares his reflections from research interviews with young offenders.
Twigg and hardworking families
“A Tory Education Secretary that wishes to further nationalise parenting sharing an analysis and a proposed solution with a Labour shadow Education Secretary that wants to put the demands of market over the demands of loved ones.” Michael Merrick reviews Stephen Twigg and Michael Gove’s approach to family policy.
Frontline Friday 20th September 2013: Our favourite frontline blogs this week
Here’s our list of ten frontline blogs we’ve particularly liked from the week of 16th September 2013 – from the question of what are the Lib Dems for, to education and welfare reform, and the outsourcing of probation services.
What I learned from writing about Grammar Schools
“…I genuinely believe the most important question is not whether or not grammar schools should exist but whether or not they should exist over and above other systems for improving social mobility.” Laura McInerney shares the insights that she has gathered from her recent musings on Grammar Schools.