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Journal of Early Childhood Literacy
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Policy and research: Lessons from the Clackmannanshire Synthetic Phonics Initiative

Sue Ellis

University of Strathclyde, Scotland, sue.ellis{at}strath.ac.uk

This article explores why policy makers in England and Scotland responded so differently to the Clackmannanshire study on synthetic phonics. It suggests that a deeper understanding of the national and local policy contexts can explain Scotland's response. Analysis of the wider context of the Clackmannanshire initiative supports Moss and Huxford's (2007) argument that literacy problems cannot be couched within a single paradigm's field of reference, and that policy makers need to consider evidence from different paradigms if they are to make robust decisions.

Key Words: Clackmannanshire • curriculum policy • early intervention • literacy • staff development • synthetic phonics

References

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  • Clackmannanshire Council (2003) My Mum Likes School: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Home School Liaison Work in Increasing Parental Involvement in Four Core Schools. Clackmannan: Clacks Council Early Learning Initiatives.
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Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, Vol. 7, No. 3, 281-297 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1468798407083660


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This Article
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What's this?