The problem of simplification: Think-tanks, recipes, equity and ‘Turning around low-performing schools’

摘要: Non-government actors such as think-tanks are playing an important role in Australian policy work. As governments increasingly outsource work previously done by education departments and academics to these new actors, more have emerged that represent a wide range of political views ideological positions. This paper looks at the emergence Grattan Institute one significant player with particular emphasis on Grattan’s report ‘Turning around low-performing schools’. exemplifies many facets Barber’s ‘deliverology’, they produce reports designed be easily digested, simply actioned provide reassurance there is answer, often through focusing ‘what works’ recipes. schools’ perfect example this deliverology. However, close analysis Report suggests it contains four major problems which seriously impact its usefulness for schools policymakers: ignores data may explaining turn-around schools, overly reliant NAPLAN data, reasons suspicious about evidence assembled, finally falls into classic trap logic—the post hoc fallacy.