Understanding education policy : the 'four education orientations' framework / Tiffany Jones.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 71).

1. Introduction.- 2. Perceptions of Policy.- 3. Policy Paradigms Frameworks: Gaps Within Research.- 4. The Four Orientations to Education Framework .

Analysis of education policy often follows a particular orientation, such as conservative or neo-liberal. Yet, readers are often left to wonder the true meaning and conceptual framing behind these orientations. Without this knowledge, the policy analysis lacks true rigor, its value is diminished as the results may prove difficult to reproduce. 'Understanding Education Policy' provides an overarching framework of four key orientations that lie beneath much policy analysis, yet are rarely used with accuracy: conservative, liberal, critical and post-modern. It details each orientation's application to policy making, implementation and overall impact. The book also argues the value of analysing a policy's orientation to improve the clarity of its analysis and allow broader trends across the education policy field to emerge. The book offers practical examples, key vocabulary and reflection activities which give equitable, yet critical consideration to all education orientations.