OFSTED- Gradgrindism in 2021
Michael Rosen has written a devastating critique of OFSTED school inspections in 2021
They are he argues focused on finding outs ‘facts’ to the exclusion of humanity. Teachers absent with COVID? OFSTED not interested. Pupils impacted by COVID illnesses and deaths? OFSTED not interested. They just want the performance statistics, for which there can be NO EXCUSES.
It is a familiar story that goes much wider than education in the modern workplace. Key Performance Indicators and whether they are achieved or not often rule. Reasons for non- achievement are given scant attention.
It’s the same too with the COVID statistics that appear daily. Infections are up but sometimes down. The same goes for deaths. Keeping track of this is important. But its important too, and not often discussed that behind these figures are real people and real communities grieving.
The lack of humanity in all this is trademark of neo-liberal politics but its exactly what Dickens’ character Gradgrind (Hard Times) had in mind
“Now, what I want is Facts. Teach these boys and girls nothing but Facts. Facts alone are wanted in life. Plant nothing else, and root out everything else.” Thomas Gradgrind
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