Imported From Britain: Ideas to Improve Schools

A NYT profile of Sir Michael Barber, who's bringing lessons from the UK's experience with school reform to NYC and other cities here:

During a decade in power in Britain, the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair made efforts to improve English schools, with some apparent successes. Because American public education faces similar challenges, like what to do with failing schools and how to recruit better teachers, some educators believe there is much to learn  from England’s experience.
 
A few are turning to Sir Michael Barber, a senior adviser to Mr. Blair from 1997 through 2005, who received his title in recognition of his  educational contributions. As a partner at McKinsey & Company, he has been advising education policymakers, including the Ohio State Board of Education and  Joel I. Klein, the New York  schools chancellor.
 
Sir Michael’s recent book, “Instruction to Deliver,” is a  favorite of Mr. Klein’s. Last year, the schools chancellor asked Sir Michael  to address hundreds of New York principals at Lincoln Center about school improvement strategies.

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Imported From Britain: Ideas to Improve Schools

By SAM DILLON
Published: August 15, 2007
www.nytimes.com/2007/08/15/education/15face.html <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/15/education/15face.html>

WASHINGTON — During a decade in power in Britain, the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair made efforts to improve English schools, with some apparent successes. Because American public education faces similar challenges, like what to do with failing schools and how to recruit better teachers, some educators believe there is much to learn from England’s experience.