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Academies and schools

free to do as much damage to our education system which charter schools in the United States, says Melissa Benn

It's amazing how quickly things can discourage a nation. 18 months ago, Michael Gove began his term controversial Department of Education claims apparently final, supported by international evidence supports, the failure of public schools in the UK and the need for a radically new approach.

Last year, Sweden was the model for reform. The Swedish government has hardly mentioned these days, because he knew that their schools without producing slightly better results, but increased social segregation. Now the focus has shifted to the United States, other international artists mediocre, but it is a dangerous model for rapid reform aggressive pace here.

Most people have heard of charter schools now educate American more than a million and half children, but few understand the conditions under which very partial success occurs or what its impact. Do not understand what their counterparts in England - -. academies and free schools could mean for our education system in the long term

The model looks like this: a set of new schools, apparently dedicated to educating a radical improvement of the poor, the competition is set to provide existing public. Strongly supported by corporate and philanthropic interests, with some working in a "benefit" basis, according to results of high risk, strict discipline, a punitive approach for teachers and unions, and tend to have more control on your income, higher rates of exclusion, and to fewer students with special needs or those for whom English is not their first language.

Meanwhile, the public (state) schools, most of the spending cuts toxic suffering, drowning, often unjustified criticism in political and public life must continue to educate everyone who comes through through their doors, while the new alternative model seems even brighter. However, much still provide an excellent education, especially in disadvantaged areas. Sound familiar?

One of the most prominent critics of charter schools is Diane Ravitch, a former Under Secretary of State for Education of George W. Bush, who is now grappling with the role of the election, high-risk tests and massive corporate domination in American education, which, she says, are detrimental to the concept of universal quality public education .

Other networks are much less successful Charter. According to the 2009 study authority Creed Stanford, 17% outperform public schools, 46% show no difference and 37% get lower results.

There are disturbing similarities to things that are developed here. We are witnessing the rapid growth of private interests in education, with some of the most effective channels provided a significant influence on the national education debate. Again, we present "academies miracle" but a series of unanswered questions about admissions, exclusions, additional sources of funding and pedagogy.

Again, our system is broken into its foundations, however, only a mixed picture of improvement. According to the latest report by Ofsted, the proportion of schools judged good or excellent is similar to all secondary schools. "Silent revolution"