Book review is not a new thing on the life of academic staff in all University education specifically those who had engaged in higher learning, albeit other institutions had employ it even in undergraduate courses specifically in language courses. It is not a new concept for those who had engaged in the so called M.A degree, and PhD but a common phenomenon in other higher degree. This book review try to give out what is missing and what is in. The authors have tried to developed perfect knowlegde and experiences that for school owner and managers do not dare to adapt and read. It is a must read book for those who wish to invest in education specifically establishing schools and colleges. The specific purpose of this book is to suggest certain number of criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of privatization policies, including efficiency and equity considerations in education. It weighs up the positive and negative aspects of education privatization and explores the different forms that it can take. Different methodologies and approach has been employed on composing that book.
Table of Contents
1. What is education privatization
2. Why is privatization happening
3. A framework for evaluating privatization programmes
4. International privatization reforms
5. Implications for educational planning
Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this work is to describe, explain, and analyze education privatization reforms to provide clear implications for educational planning and policy implementation in both developed and developing nations.
- Examination of the definition and various forms of education privatization.
- Analysis of the logical arguments and pressures driving privatization trends.
- Establishment of evaluation criteria for privatization initiatives, including equity and efficiency.
- Documentation of international case studies regarding privatization reform impacts.
- Guidance for educational planners on navigating political and administrative implementation challenges.
Excerpt from the Book
Implications for educational planning
In the last chapter, is five (‘implications for educational planning’); where the authors identify a set of general implications of privatization reforms for educational planning and programme implementation. They itemized them separately into several sphere of influences as political, legal and economic. In this chapter the authors, describe the space options for planners in designing privatization to meet any number of objectives, since the options for privatization are broad and flexible in reform and strategy, to clarify this they add “for any voucher programme, it is necessary to specify the eligibility criteria, voucher amounts, and the extent of support services, all these are done by the policy-makers (p.61). On the other hand they argue that “planners must be mindful and well-versed that privatization programmes will prompt strong political response, both against and in favour, from ‘special interest groups” (p.63); to avoid to affect certain groups other that it should be understood that families with school age children are far more concerned with education reforms than the average voter: for these families, the quality of education may be a critical issue in deciding which political or community group to support. However educational planners should be mindful that there is considerable doubt, uncertainty, and ignorance about what privatization reforms are and what impact they will have.
Summary of Chapters
1. What is education privatization: Defines the core concept as the transfer of assets and responsibilities from the public to the private sector and outlines various reform frameworks.
2. Why is privatization happening: Examines the supply-side, demand-side, and general socio-political pressures that have accelerated the growth of privatization in recent decades.
3. A framework for evaluating privatization programmes: Presents four essential criteria—freedom of choice, productive efficiency, equity, and social cohesion—for assessing the success of reform policies.
4. International privatization reforms: Provides evidence through case studies from Chile, Columbia, Milwaukee, England, Wales, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic to demonstrate practical reform applications.
5. Implications for educational planning: Identifies the political, legal, and economic considerations that planners must address to successfully implement and manage privatization strategies.
Keywords
Education privatization, Educational planning, Policy reform, Voucher programmes, Equity, Social cohesion, Public-private partnership, Cost-sharing, Educational efficiency, School choice, Accountability, Resource allocation, Developing countries, Educational administration, Institutional management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this book?
The book focuses on the multifaceted phenomenon of education privatization, analyzing its causes, its consequences, and its critical implications for long-term educational planning and policy design.
Which key criteria are used to evaluate privatization?
The authors suggest four fundamental criteria for evaluation: freedom of choice, productive efficiency, equity, and social cohesion.
What is the central research aim?
The aim is to describe and analyze privatization reforms to provide educational planners with a structured approach to assessing and implementing these policies effectively.
What scientific approach does the book take?
The work employs a comparative and case-study approach, distilling evidence from various international contexts to create a framework for reform implementation.
What does the main content cover?
The main body of the work covers definitions of privatization, the drivers behind the movement, frameworks for evaluation, international evidence from specific countries, and strategic planning considerations.
What are the essential keywords associated with this work?
Key terms include education privatization, policy reform, educational planning, equity, school choice, and cost-sharing.
How do the authors define the concept of privatization in education?
They define it as the transfer of activities, assets, and responsibilities from government or public institutions to private individuals and agencies.
What specific political challenges do the authors mention for planners?
Planners are warned that privatization often triggers strong responses from "special interest groups" and that they must be mindful of the significant uncertainty and public concern surrounding these reforms.
What role does the concept of "cost-sharing" play in the text?
Cost-sharing is identified as a significant reform strategy where the financial burden of schooling—particularly in higher education—is partially shifted from the state to students and their families.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Haruni Machumu (Autor:in), 2011, Review of Clive R. Belfield's and Henry M. Levine's "Education privatization: causes, consequences and planning implications.", München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/179073
