Schools and Community The Communitarian Agenda in Education

Research has shown that there is a correlation between academic achievement and the strength of community life and awareness within a school. The aim of this book is to introduce communitarian thought to classroom teachers and to those working in education. The book contextualizes the current debates within education around the many topical ideas being developed by communitarian thinkers, including: character-building; the role of parents; the community and the individual; values education and citizenship; community education; standards and ethos in schools. Throughout, the book makes specific reference to the practical implications for both primary and secondary schools as well as for further education colleges.

Communitarianism, as a movement, is clearly a dominant theme within New Labour's educational policy. How does this affect education and the life and work of schools?Research has shown that there is a correlation between academic achievement and the strength of community life and awareness within a school. The aim of this book, therefore, is to introduce communitarian thought to classroom teachers and to those working in education. The book contextualizes the current debates within education around the many topical ideas being developed by communitarian thinkers, including:character building; the role of parents; the community and the individual; values education and citizenship; community education; and standards and ethos in schools.Throughout, the book makes specific reference to the practical implications for both primary and secondary schools as well as for further education colleges.This is a timely book that should be of interest to all those working in schools and with children and young people. It aims to be a guide to this important and highly influential movement that is shaping our educational future.

1. Communitarianism 2. Communitarianism and the Family 3. Communitarianism and Education 4. Citizenship Education and the Common Good 5. Communitarianism and Religiously Affiliated Schools 6. School Case Studies: Communitarian Practices? 7. Conclusion: The Communitarian Agenda in Education

James Arthur is Professor in Education and Deputy Head of the Centre for Educational Research at Canterbury Christ Church College. He has written widely on education and conducted research in denominational education policy and law, and is currently writing a book on Social Literacy and the National Curriculum and another on History, Citizenship and Democratic Education, both for Falmer Press. Richard Bailey is a Lecturer in the School of Education, University of Reading. He lectures and researches in physical education, child development and inclusive education.