The social agenda of the school / Jim O'Brien and Gale Macleod.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Schooling is not just about learning new knowledge and skills, it is about preparing young people to take an active role in society and involves 'educating the whole child'. Equally there is a greater understanding of the rights of children now enshrined in legislation associated with educational provision in may systems. In response to changing curricular imperatives and organisational initiatives, schools have developed structures and approaches that offer care and support for individual students and have strived to develop partnerships with parents and major stakeholders. As society changes and schools have become more complex institutions, the nature of that care and support has taken on new forms and meanings. Priorities have changed and teacher conditions of service and management responsibilities are different. This book traces the developments associated with policy initiatives such as guidance and pastoral care; support for learning; the inclusion agenda; new community schools and personal and social education. The Scottish experience is compared and contrasted with developments in the UK and other educational systems.The book will appeal to all who are concerned with the role played by schools in their wider social context, be they policy makers, school managers, teachers and those seeking to take an active role in social education.