Building Better Schools with Evidence-Based Policy: Adaptable Policy for Teachers and School Leaders

Abstract

tique the British University system). This is not to say that any of these examples are uninteresting, just to point out that at times we are being asked to travel so far, so fast that our heads are left spinning. The final chapters of the book ask what scope we have for doing something about the way that work is organised. I’m not sure whether this was Horgan’s intention, but I was left fairly glum about the possibilities that she advances. Individualised resistance such as slacking or even actively vandalising the workplace offer little other than short term amelioration of the pain. Similarly, although she does not really discuss this in detail, individualised strategies for career advancement are only likely to benefit the few. Much more promising is a renewal of the trade union movement and an increasing recognition that material improvements are most likely to be brought about by collective action. Finally, Horgan argues that we need a political strategy, devoted to a range of political innovations around work that are designed to advance the cause of working people, give themmore power over their daily lives and an increased stake in the economy and the ownership of work. It is almost as if there is a need for a political party founded to represent working people and advance their interests. But, what would we call such a party... ?