New Education Policies in the Contemporary Society

 Conceptual Map
Conceptual Map

Notes on the Reading
Apple (2000)	The author focuses on the way ideologies affect the development of the educational system. Apple (2000) stresses that ideologies influence the way people see education, its major role, and methods to be employed.
Problems: Although the author provides some illustrations of successful policies, it is still unclear how policies can be developed and be beneficial for all stakeholders as there is always a conflict of interests.
Ball (2007)	The author examines the role of privatization in the sphere of education. Ball (2007) notes that privatization has diverse forms and affects the educational system differently.
Problem: It is still unclear how to find the balance between achieving educational goals and gaining profit. However, it is important to find an answer to that question as the educational system is likely to become largely market-driven.
Ball (2013)	The author explores various education policies that have shaped the educational system. It is possible to trace the development of the educational system.
Problem: It was quite difficult to comprehend the information as there is too much information on different policies and incentives. It is still unclear whether it is possible to align educational goals with the country’s budget.
Ball, Maguire, Braun and Hoskins (2011)	The researchers identify different types of policies and teachers’ (and other stakeholders’) perspectives as regards the policies.
Problem: The authors explain peculiarities of two views on policies, but there is no clarity as regards what paradigm is the most suitable for the contemporary society. Furthermore, the view related to interpretation seems to be completely wrongful as the author seems to fail to provide sufficient information on its benefits.
Gunter and Forrester (2008)	The authors provide insights into the perceptions of educators and policy makers concerning the New Labor education policy.
Problem: The concept of the policy entrepreneur lacks for clarity.
Phillips and Ochs (2004)	The authors provide valuable insights into the process of policy borrowing and its major stages.
Problem: The concept of policy borrowing is properly explained, but it is unclear how it can be actually implemented in different settings.
Sorensen and Torfing (2005)	The authors state that the governance networks are diverse, and their roles in the contemporary society have changed. The authors stress that politicians should play a central role in the process.
Problem: It is still unclear whether politicians can develop an effective policy as they often lack experience in the sphere and the information on the contemporary issues schools meet.
Vincent, Rollock, Ball and Gillborn (2013)	The researchers explore the way race and class affect parents’ choices related to extra-curriculum activities of their children.
Problem: It can be important to address the issue as regards low-income families in detail. It is also important to see the way policies are aligned with parents’ desires as to their children’s future.
Vowden (2012)	The researcher concentrates on the way the class affects parents’ attitudes towards their children educational environment (with a focus on mixed-class classes).
Problem: It is unclear whether policies can be aligned with the parents’ desires and needs related to their children’s future.
Personal Position	This research equipped me with a general idea of the educational policies. It also helped me acquire valuable insights into the peculiarities of policies, their development and their impact on the stakeholders as well as the entire system. One of the major questions to be answered is concerned with the way policymakers can align the policies with all the stakeholders’ needs as the conflict of interest often undermines the effectiveness of policies