Education policy is a key devolved policy arena in which there are considerable tensions between and within institutions, within and across Scotland and the UK, and in relations with Europe. It may be assumed such tensions could increase during the process of Brexit and the implementation of the 2016 Scotland Act (Arnott 2016; Arnott and Ozga…

In August 2011, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) celebrated the accolade of university title, becoming Scotland's newest university. Modelled on a federal, collegiate university based on a number of existing and geographically dispersed Further Education (FE) colleges and research institutions, the UHI has clearly abandoned the…

This paper examines the tensions that sometimes arise between educational researchers and policy makers. The recent history of the relationship is described and it is suggested that part of the reason for current disenchantment (on both sides) is that the two groups approach research with different expectations and priorities. Two particular…

A Scottish council commissioned a study to inform development of policy concerning ability grouping, timetabling, and other practices related to the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Although the researchers became aware that the council expected a report supportive of their policies, the data supported the view that the key to…

A study examined attitudes of 50 new teachers toward emerging Scottish policies concerning continuing professional development (CPD). Findings indicate that teachers need to be better informed about CPD and other policy initiatives; characteristics of an effective professional educator must be identified; teachers must critically analyze their…

Reports on educational activities in the Scottish Parliament for Fall-Winter 2000-01. Discusses efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Scottish Qualifications Authority's failure to deliver timely and accurate examination results; recommendations to increase student financial support for further and higher education and thereby widen access; and…

Reviews some educational issues arising during the first year of the new Scottish Parliament. Discusses facility problems and funding needs of small rural schools, debate over what constitutes standards and which performance indicators should be included in legislation, proposed accountability structures for local education authorities, and the…

This paper is concerned with the relationships between educational research, policymaking, and educational change. It takes its title from the prevailing stereotype of educational research as a mirror seeking to reflect the realities of the task of teaching. (Author/KC)

Compares the work of two advisory committees: the Sixth Scottish Advisory Council on Education which produced the 1947 report, "Secondary Education," and the Committee Appointed to Survey Secondary Education in New South Wales (Australia), which produced the "Wyndham Report" in 1957. Concludes that the committee's relationship…

Criticizes computing and information technology curricula in "Higher Still" (proposed new Scottish upper secondary curricula). Argues that the proposals are outdated, inflexible, and inconsistent with current "5-14" curricula. Examines specified courses in information technology, higher computing studies, and information…

Reassesses reformist "Report on Secondary Education" (1947) and ensuing effects on Scottish Education Department (SED) policies. Examines roles of administrators, teachers, and postwar values in Scotland's failure to realize report's calls for educational equality. Concludes that report, although energizing, was isolated in time and…

During the 1960s, a review of higher education by a commission chaired by Lord Robbins led to the recommendation that the separate colleges of education be brought into the university sector. Compares and contrasts the pluralistic policy process of the Robbins period with the process of recent changes in teacher education in Scotland. (KS)

Presents edited lecture text given at the 1984 Scottish Educational Research Association annual conference. Reviews the history of the Scottish Education Department's involvement in educational research. Discusses annual research funding and allocation plus initiation and selection of projects. Lists 11 research projects with "awareness"…

Data on post-16 transitions from the 1985 Scottish Young Peoples Survey and from the England and Wales Youth Cohort Study reveal several differences reflecting institutional differences between the two systems. Data also reveal sociological similarities. Those who develop policy initiatives at a British level must respect both similarities and…

Argues, speculatively, that Scotland has an emerging institutional education structure for students of less-than-average ability, aged 14 to 18. Proposes the new structure would do much to undermine the ideal that the comprehensive school is the natural way for a democracy to order the postprimary schooling of a given area. (JHZ)