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Published in 1987, the central question with which this book is concerned is what can, and should, teachers do about teacher-pupil conflict in schools? Few teachers in secondary education would need to have this sort of conflict described as even if that have been fortunate enough to avoid it themselves they will know of it from staffroom discussion and from the media. In can be seen in disorderly classrooms where pupils ‘mess about'and ‘have a laugh', and in the bleak expression on the face of their teacher. Equally it can be detected in those classrooms where the teacher is in firm control, but where pupils gaze listlessly out of the window, or only minimally comply with work demands. It is characterized by sudden blazing temper on both sides, and also by long periods of weariness, boredom and disengagement. It is not that conflict which might arise from temporary private troubles, from having a bad day or going through a bad patch, for it is there week in week out, and involves significant numbers.Such conflict has been of interest to both psychologists and sociologists of education and important contributions have been offered by both of these disciplines. Sociologists have mapped out the differing cultural values and norms which appear to promote it. They have identified the social constraints present within the environment in which it is produced, constraints which emanate from the socio-economic organization of society and from the maintenance of an institutional framework, and which affect the micro-dynamics of teacher-pupil interaction. Psychologists have described the effects on behaviour of genetic factors, environmental conditions and cognitive states. Important though such insights are, however, they can only speak indirectly to teacher practice. This book provides an educational approach to the subject discussing topics including theoretical considerations, teacher-pupil discussion and relationships between classroom behaviour and the curriculum. It will appeal to those involved with schools and education, as well as psychologists, educational sociologists and researchers.

This is the revised and updated edition of an original study which showed that local authorities, working collaboratively with their schools and clusters, can dramatically reduce exclusions and make permanent exclusions unnecessary. Through research in three low excluding local authorities and five high excluding local authorities, it shows how this is done. The new chapters are written in response to current directives. The challenges and barriers are recognised but the way forward remains clear. The book fills the ground between school and national government, pointing to the responsibilities and powers that a supportive, challenging and conciliatory local authority has in respect of the education of all children, under whatever government administration. Carl Parsons sets out an agenda for action which is about enlisting full support from local authority counsellors and officers, building a shared commitment with schools, broadening what schools are able to offer, developing managed moves as a conciliatory and non punitive response, generating more alternative provision and developing multiagency working, with greater involvement of the voluntary sector. This is a book for everyone involved in managing the education of behaviourally challenging children and young people. It is of particular relevance to those working at the level of strategy and operation in local authority Children's Services departments and to managers in schools. Other services which receive school rejects will find the debates about appropriate provision helpful to their work.

School exclusion damages pupils and is harmful to society. This revised edition updates the original research in three low excluding and five high excluding local authorities that shows how local authorities make permanent exclusions unnecessary. New chapters argue that they can still do so within the legislation of the new coalition government.