There were many praiseworthy things said by Wilshaw in his speech on Friday, but his stance on Ofsted inspectors who hold progressive prejudices did not add up. Wilshaw appeared to deny the existence of such inspectors whilst simultaneously pledging—in no uncertain words—to root them out.
Misrepresenting the critics: Ofsted inspectors as hippies
Wilshaw said that the challenge, emanating from Civitas but also from numerous teacher bloggers, that many Ofsted inspectors have a preference for ‘progressive child-centred learning’ was ‘unwarranted and over the top’. He continued that such an accusation, ‘in other words’ means Ofsted is full of ‘trendy, hippie-style inspectors’. It is easy to discredit a criticism through ridiculing it: obviously none of Ofsted’s challengers are angry at inspectors in flared trousers and tie-died T Shirts encouraging teachers to sing Kumbaya and read Beat poetry.
What they are angry about is inspection reports repeatedly praising active learning, independent learning, learning in groups…
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The Echo Chamber 