High levels of cynicism about politics, fuelled by a lack of understanding of the real dynamics of policy and the political process, are dangerous to democracy. So argues Benjamin Levin in Governing Education. With this book, Levin seeks to improve public understanding of the way government works, especially with regard to education policy.
Based on his experience as Manitoba's deputy minister of education from 1999 to 2002, Levin offers an insider's account of the events and conditions that governed Manitoba's educational policy as a way of illustrating the larger dynamics of the political process. He demonstrates how the actions of governments are rooted in diverse political demands, and looking at the current state of education and education policy in Canada, comments on its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.
Levin's unique combination of informed analysis with real stories of real events told by participants provides an incisive exploration of government in action. While based on events in Manitoba, the same dynamics and conditions apply across the country. This book will have strong appeal to people in education, political science, and public administration.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Governing
Chapter 2: Education in Canada: Myths and Opportunities
Chapter 3: The Grade 3 Assessment: Even Doing What People Want Can be Hard
Chapter 4: College Expansion: unforeseen Problems in Meeting a Commitment
Chapter 5: School Funding: Managing the Intractable
Chapter 6: School Division Amalgamations: Giving the Public What it Wants
Chapter 7: Adult Learning Centres: From Crisis to Opportunity
Chapter 8: Focus on What Matters: Managing the Department and Looking After Education
Chapter 9: Improving Government and Improving Education
About the Author :
Ben Levin is Canada Research Chair in Education Leadership and Policy and a professor in the Department of Theory and Policy Studies in Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto.
Review :
"'Governing Education is a unique and powerful book that provides an insider's view of the workings of government. Benjamin Levin addresses virtually every major educational policy issue that face governments and society, and each is presented with insightful analysis, insider and personal observation, and links to the bigger policy picture. A substantial contribution to the field of public policy.' Michael Fullan, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto"
