Abstract
The increasing tendency to establish schools outside the government supported system is examined and their achievement in varying educational performance reviewed. Different arrangements have developed in various countries as to government support and the manner in which access is provided. Research demonstrating that individual student performance is influenced by average socioeconomic levels of the school class is considered. The evidence revealing that independent schools do not produce higher performing students after discounting for socioeconomic differences in enrolment is reviewed. Standardised high stakes testing and its application are considered in respect of its impact on curriculum, parental choice and education outcomes. The impact of the No Child Left Behind policy introduced in the US by the administration of George W. Bush is reviewed. The effectiveness of intrinsic motivation in enhancing individual student performance is considered. The impact of various disabilities such as hearing impairment and its incidence in children living in poverty is noted.
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Griffin, D. (2014). Public or Private Schools, Tests and League Tables, Parental Choice and Competition in Australia, the USA and Britain. In: Education Reform: The Unwinding of Intelligence and Creativity. Explorations of Educational Purpose, vol 28. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01994-9_9
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