Contested Classrooms

Alberta stands as a model of radical education reform in Canada. Standardized exams, school accountability, lean budgets, and 'market' choice are rapidly transforming the nature of education in the province.

But reform is not necessarily right or good, especially if undertaken without the consultation of those most affected by it.

Contested Classrooms looks at Alberta's program of education reform within the larger context of globalization. Harrison and Kachur bring together a range of analysis of the sweeping changes to Alberta's public education system. Contributors examine the issues from many angles: from the perspectives of teacher, principals, parents, students, and the community at large.

They also pose some important questions. In particular, what is the purpose of education? Whose interests does it serve?

This book looks at the historical changes in education, the politics of educational change in Alberta, and the real out comes of re-organizing Alberta's schools. The editors call passionately for patient debate and discussion, before the stakes of this contest get too high.

Contested Classrooms is an essential volume for parents, teachers, and anyone concerned about the future of education.

Contested Classrooms is available from Parkland Institute. Contact us for details.

Jerrold Kachur

Jerrold Kachur is a professor of international political economy, social theory, and political philosophy in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Alberta. He teaches undergraduate courses in the sociology of education and graduate courses in social theory and education, development theory and education, research methodologies, and policy analysis and education. His program specialization is Theoretical, Cultural and International Studies in Education (TCI). TCI houses the philosophy and social sciences of education (formerly Foundations of Education) in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta.

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Trevor Harrison

Trevor W. Harrison is a professor of sociology at the University of Lethbridge and director of Parkland Institute, an Alberta-wide research organization, of which he was a founding member and first research director. Dr. Harrison is best known for his studies in political sociology, political economy and public policy. He is the author, co-author or co-editor of nine books, numerous journal articles, chapters, and reports, and a frequent contributor to public media, including radio and television.

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