The second edition of the standard text on educational provision in Scotland covers educational practice and professional thinking from pre-school and primary through secondary to tertiary level. It provides comprehensive coverage of teaching and learning, curriculum and assessment, educational institutions and policies, current achievements and future challenges, locating Scottish education within its social, cultural and political context. Key features of the second edition include: analyses of the impact of the Scottish Parliament; descriptions of new government departments; coverage of new topics including financing of educational provision, school and work and Scottish languages; a review of National Priorities and the National Debate; an explanation of changes to school curricula and assessment; and an account of institutional arrangements and organizations. This is a substantial updating of the first edition taking account of the many changes post-devolution, featuring more than 40 new authors. The volume offers fresh, frank and authoritative commentary on every area of education in Scotland and should be essential reading for anyone concerned with this important aspect of Scottish life.