A new and innovatory volume, the Blackwell Handbook of Education is both authoritative and accessible. It will be an invaluable companion and reference source for professionals and parents, student teachers, headteachers, governors, in schools and colleges, lay inspectors, and local politicians and others. It covers a wide variety of topics in A to Z format: education (concepts and issues, disciplines, types and phases); schools and others institutions and their organization; roles (duties and responsibilities) and people; regulations and conditions, individual differences among learners; curriculum and assessment; pedagogy; and resources. In addition, there are separate guides to acronyms, organizations and legislation.While the Handbook can be used as a quick and easy reference, its classified index enables the reader to read more systematically in the area of choice, perhaps pedagogy for example. The book has been extensively trialed on its potential readers to ensure that in its scope, depth, content and style it meets a real need as a contemporary guide to the field of education.