Report criticizes Blair education record

Improvements in exam performances in England can be attributed to lowered standards and a narrower school curriculum, according to an analysis of Tony Blair's legacy published June 27. The rightwing thinktank Civitas said that results look better, but pupils know less. Improvements are linked to lower test standards, a narrower school curriculum and teaching that is targeted to help children pass tests, Civitas claimed. The report's authors, Anastasia de Waal and Nicholas Cowen, called the higher achievement under Prime Minister Tony Blair the result of smoke and mirrors rather than effective reforms, and "little more than shameless moving of the goal posts." Read the article at the Guardian Unlimited website and the report.