Debunking education myths

Over five weeks The TES examined some of the greatest myths about schools. We commissioned Adrian Elliott, a former headteacher, to debunk some of the most common myths about state schools circulated by the chattering classes.

27th November 2009, 12:00am

Gerard Kelly

Myth 1 - `Behaviour and discipline in schools today are far worse than in the past’
Comment:A golden age? Palpable nonsense
Letters: Bursting the bad behaviour bubble
Dr David Limond, Lecturer in history of education
Russell Plester, Deputy headteacher
Gareth Calway, A-level English examiner and NATE consultant
Myth 2 - `The apparent rise in standards is just due to exams getting easier’
Comment:Hit and myth: the truth about standards
Letters: It’s no myth: superior O-level proves the system needs a rethink
Dr Richard House, Research Centre for Therapeutic Education
Chris McGovern, Director, History Curriculum Association
Myth 3 - `Competitive sports and settings are frowned on in state schools as elitist’
Comment:Trevor Averre-Besson, Director, Lilac Sky Schools
Myth 4 - `A return to grammar schools would improve standards and social mobility’
Letters: Grammar school conflict is a tale of class and classrooms
Dr Christopher Storr
Neil McIntosh, Chief executive, CfBT Education Trust
Myth 5 - `Teachers today neglect the basics to peddle left-wing, PC, propoganda’
Let us know what you think. Do you agree with our myths, or are there other education myths you’d like to see debunked? Add your comments to this article.

Want to keep reading for free?

Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters.

Register Log in

Keep reading for just £1 per month

You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get:

Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content
Exclusive subscriber-only stories
Award-winning email newsletters

Subscribe now

Gerard Kelly

Recent

Debunking education myths

Myth 5 - `Teachers today neglect the basics to peddle left-wing, PC, propoganda’Let us know what you think. Do you agree with our myths, or are there other education myths you’d like to see debunked? Add your comments to this article.

Want to keep reading for free?

Keep reading for just £1 per month

Read more

Myth 5 - `Teachers today neglect the basics to peddle left-wing, PC, propoganda’
Let us know what you think. Do you agree with our myths, or are there other education myths you’d like to see debunked? Add your comments to this article.