Routledge The Politics of the School Curriculum - Routledge Education

This Routledge volume examines the fundamental question of curriculum control: who decides what content students learn? By defining the curriculum as a selection from society's culture, the book explores the complex dynamics that shape educational content and planning. Originally published during a pivotal period in education policy, this work documents how curriculum control became increasingly controversial in the 1970s. It analyses the competing interests of teachers, the Department of Education, and local education authorities as they vied for influence over curriculum decisions. The book reviews various aspects of curriculum development and the underlying reasons for the conflicts that emerged between these stakeholders, offering readers insight into how political and institutional forces shape what happens in classrooms.