Česká základní škola

The legal framework of the Czech elementary schools has recently undergone a considerable reform, which also set new goals for education. The real effects of these changes, particularly their impact on day-to-day teaching and learning, however, are practically unknown. This publication presents one of the first comprehensive pictures of the current form of Czech elementary education shortly after the reform was put in practice. It is based on extensive empirical research in the form of five case studies from five elementary schools. It provides a comprehensive picture of each of these schools, which differ in type, including statements of pupils, teachers and other partakers in scholastic life as well as views of what is happening in classes. The thematic chapters show how depending on the unique contexts, various schools manage to meet the main challenges of contemporary education. As well as the factual information, this work is also an important methodological contribution. Thanks to its well-written form, which combines both narrative and analytical passages, it can be interesting also for readers outside the academic circles. It will be helpful also for school principals, students of education studies or creators of educational policy.