Delving into the multifaceted realm of ‘alternative education,’ International Perspectives on Alternative Education offers a comprehensive exploration through the lenses of academics, policy experts, and practitioners worldwide. From firsthand narratives of educators and leaders within alternative schools to insightful analyses by policy professionals, the book vividly portrays the complexities and challenges inherent in nontraditional educational settings. Interwoven with academic insights, the book addresses overarching themes of social justice, achievement, success, choice, and purpose across educational landscapes. Drawing on contributions from diverse regions, including Australia, Indonesia, Korea, Denmark, England, Germany, Scotland, and the United States, this book serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, academics, and individuals passionate about fostering social justice through education.
Author Insights – Contributor Backgrounds and Expertise
Shedding light on the diverse backgrounds of the contributors:
Currently serves as the Director of the Teachers and Teaching Research Centre situated at the UCL Institute of Education, University College London.
Holds the position of Senior Lecturer at Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh.
Reviews on this Alternative Education Literature
“In the words of John Berger, ‘The books that mean the most to me are the books that teach us subversion, subversion in the face of the world as it is, books that suggest the honour of an alternative.’ This sentiment resonates profoundly in today’s tumultuous times, where this book emerges as a beacon of hope, advocating not only for alternative education but rooting its potential in the intricate tapestry of local, national, and global realities.”
— Michael Fielding, Emeritus Professor of Education, UCL Institute of Education
“Mills and McCluskey’s thought-provoking collection offers invaluable insights into alternative education approaches, benefiting not only researchers, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to enhancing this expanding educational sector but also mainstream schools worldwide.”
— Professor Kitty te Riele, Deputy Director (Research), Peter Underwood Centre, University of Tasmania
“Amidst the intricate web of global educational landscapes, this captivating book sheds light on the diversity and complexity of alternative educational methods and provisions. With a steadfast commitment to social justice, it guides readers towards a deeper understanding of educational paradigms that foster equity and well-being.”
— Helen Lees, York St John University
“As we confront the imperative of reshaping schooling for inclusive participation, this timely book emerges as a catalyst for change. By reframing schooling through a lens of social justice and exploring diverse alternative educational frameworks, it ignites the pedagogical imagination and offers pathways for transformative educational experiences.”
— Penny Jane Burke, Global Innovation Chair of Equity, University of Newcastle, Australia
Unveiling the Book’s Offerings: A Comprehensive Look at the Contents
CONTENTS: 1. International perspectives on alternative education: Policy and practices, by Gillean McCluskey and Martin Mills; PART 1: APPROACHES TO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION; 2. Alternative schools in the United States: Understanding the landscape, by Gavin Tierney; 3. Alternative education in the South Korean policy context, by Chulkyung Yoon and Jungwon Kim; 4. Alternative provision in England: Problematizing quality and vulnerability, by Jodie Pennacchia and Pat Thomson; 5. Alternative schooling in Australia: Policy and practice, by Martin Mills and Glenda McGregor; 6. Alternative schooling for disadvantaged young people in Indonesia, by Ila Rosmilawati, Carol Reid, and David Wright; 7. Free school systems in Denmark, by Lars Erik Storgaard and Maren Skotte; PART 2: ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT; 8. Flexi-learning in Australia: The Youth+ approach, by Dale Murray; 9. Leadership in flexi-schools: Issues of race and racism in Australia, by Marnee Shay; 10. Haedoji School: Supporting refugees in South Korea, by Sujin Yoon and Myungsook Cho; 11. Making the difference in a primary SEBN Scottish school, by Leanne Hepburn; 12. Making the difference in a Scottish SEBN secondary school, by Terri Dwyer; 13. Waldorf education in Germany, by Wulf Saggau; 14. Holistic Community College in Australia, by Richard Waters; 15. Den fri Hestehaveskole in Denmark, by Annegrete Zobbe, Trine Martens, Rikke Rasmussen, Niels Nielsen, Thilde Graulund and Vibeke Helms; PART 3: ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AND THE MAINSTREAM; 16. Alternative education in Germany: Influencing the mainstream? by Anne Sliwka and Britta Klopsch; 17. What can a socially just approach to education learn from alternative schools? By Martin Mills and Gillean McCluskey; Index.
