This is a concise account of the current difficulties in education and employment, offering positive strategies for future policy. Education and training faces its own credit crunch as unemployment rises. The growing lack of legitimation creates a space for an open debate on its future and purpose. The coherent account presented in this book contributes to this debate by concisely explaining how what sometimes appears to be an almost terminal crisis in schools, colleges and universities is related to the changing relationship between young people, educational qualifications and employment in the early 21st century. Uniquely, the authors combine their experience of teaching at all levels to present a comprehensive analysis ranging from primary to postgraduate schools. Accessible and direct in style, it argues that radical alternatives are required and that for the first time opportunities exist to have a wider debate about not only what education is for, but also what it could be for. The book ends with positive proposals for future strategies bringing together students and teachers in new conceptions of education and democracy as the only way to break the impasse in education at all levels.

Confronting the current crisis in education at all levels from primary to postgraduate schools, the authors propose fundamental changes in policy for youth and education

About the Author
Martin Allen teaches part-time at Alperton Community School in West London. He is a writer and researcher on 14-19 education and training in schools and colleges, having completed a PhD with the Open University. He is co-author, with Patrick Ainley, of Education Make You Fick, Innit? What has gone wrong in England's schools, colleges and universities and how to start putting it right (Tufnell Press, 2007). Patrick Ainley is Professor of Training and Education at the University of Greenwich School of Education and Training, UK. He has published widely on education and training and is co-author, with Martin Allen, of Education Make You Fick, Innit? What has gone wrong in England's schools, colleges and universities and how to start putting it right (Tufnell Press, 2007).

Reviews
'A book not to be ignored' Education Review
'This is an unusual and thought-provoking book. It is aimed primarily at students and teachers but also for those involved with young people in any capacity. It is written in a clear, accessible and very lively style and draws on a wide range of sources: academic research, media reports, government documents and also evidence from some of the students the two authors have taught.' -- Higher Education Review
'With wit and simplicity, insight and passion, Allen and Ainley illuminate how the promise of "education, education, education" has come to this miserable end - and what can be done to get us out of it.' Ken Jones, Head of Department of Education, Goldsmiths' College, University of London, UK
'A thought provoking critique of the education system at a critical time for Britain's "lost generation" of young people.' Wes Streeting, President, National Union of Students (NUS), UK
'Tired about being lied to over education and told, if you have a university degree, that "In a few years the majority of graduates will be doing as well as they always have"? Want to know what's currently going on in schools and universities and why? Want to know what can be done to transform the treadmill? Then read Lost Generation. Now.' Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography, University of Sheffield, UK
'This is an intelligent, provocative and accessible book. It makes sense of the nonsense that passes for contemporary education policy and importantly puts education policy into the context of global economics. Its arguments are sophisticated and compelling and above all timely. Allen and Ainley's book is the sort of education policy analysis that speaks to the experience of education policy - the experience of teachers, learners, and parents. It brings sense and insight to the anxieties, frustrations and dilemmas of those inside policy and with careful discussion and calm argument it looks for what can be saved from the current crisis in what it means to be educated.' Stephen Ball, Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education, Institute of Education, University of London, UK
'One of the most difficult things to do, working as I do within the trade union movement and with education professionals, is to take a step back and look at the patterns that form over a period of many years. Patterns which are important, which drive delivery and resource, underpin the concept of education for children and adults and by default society as a whole. It can also be difficult sometimes to place the day to day struggle for funding, job security and quality where it should be, firmly within the context of our individual and collective experience as a country. This book does that.' Sally Hunt, General Secretary, University and College Union (UCU), UK
The book is engaging, punchy, well documented and carefully researched. * British Journal of Educational Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9781441134707
Author Martin Allen
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Continuum Publishing Corporation
Publisher Continuum Publishing Corporation