International Handbook of Educational Reform

by Peter W. Cookson Jr.

Education has changed much, especially during the last decade. This comprehensive reference offers a systematic overview of developments in educational policy and practice around the world. The editors have selected roughly 30 representative countries, many of which are significant because of their power and population. Each chapter, written by an expert contributor, treats educational reform in a particular nation. The chapters place educational reform within philosophical, historical, political, social, and economic contexts, and the consideration of common issues makes this volume a valuable source of comparative information.

The contributors employ a uniform approach throughout the work. The issues discussed in each chapter include the impact of economic development, educational expansion, literacy movements, achievement levels, pedagogic and curriculum reform, minority groups and women, public and private education, and the role of the State. The final chapters examine several significant trends in greater detail. Educators and policy makers will rely on this book as an indispensable reference tool.

640 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 1992

About the author

Peter W. Cookson, Jr. is the author or co-author of over fifteen books about social inequality, education and the American upper class. Currently, he is managing director of Education Sector in Washington, D.C., and teaches at Teachers College, Columbia University and Georgetown University. He is also president of Ideas without Borders, an educational consulting firm specializing in 21st century education, technology and human rights.

Peter's book "Preparing for Power: America’s Elite Boarding Schools" is widely recognized as a sociological classic. His recent book "Sacred Trust: A Children’s Education Bill of Rights" captures his commitment to social equality. His latest book "Class Rules: Exposing Inequality in American High Schools" examines the powerful effects of social class on education.

"The Red Cadillac" is his memoir of the pain and humor of growing up in the topsy-turvy world of show business, poverty and old money.

He holds a Ph.D. in the sociology of education from New York University, a Certificate of Advanced Study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Masters Degree in ethics and world religions from the Yale Divinity School.

He writes and blogs regularly, most frequently at http://www.quickanded.com.