First published in 1999. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

'... this fascinating book ... is rich material for an in-depth report on a sensitive but important professional topic on which there is little hard evidence.' - The Times Educational Supplement

'... this is a carefully and analytically presented study of a most sensitive issue.' - Education Review

'This is a well crafted book to be recommended to implementers of policy and practice in schools and LEAs as much as to researchers interested in developing effective teaching and improving learning opportunities for pupils.' - Hugh Busher, British Journal of Educational Studies

Professor Ted Wragg is Director of the School of Education at Exeter University where Gill Haynes, Caroline Wragg and Rosemary Chamberlin are all Research Fellows. They have between them a wealth of practical experience and are internationally recognized researchers in the field of education.

1.The need for skilful teaching 2.Professional incompetence 3.The views and experiences of head teachers 4.Teachers alleged to be incompetent 5.The role of professional colleagues 6.Union officers 7.Local education authority officers 8.Chairs of school governors 9.The views and experiences of parents 10.The views and experiences of pupils 11.Implications and consequences