Publisher's Synopsis
Using a close-up study of public primary schools in Mexico, this book deals with the problems of providing public education for all children whilst attempting to maintain the quality of that education, under conditions of economic austerity. These are problems of vital interest to all developing countries, as well as to us in the 'developed' west, where resources are also often limited. Beginning with a review of recent educational policy in Mexico, and a survey of the development education field in general, the author then moves down to local level to examine each of the major social actors in the educational process at primary school level, paying special attention to teachers, parents, pupils and officials. The core of the book is an analysis of school drop-out and school success, pin-pointing how the relations between all those involved in the educational process play a part in school success and failure. Prevailing theories of schooling are challenged in the analysis.
