The market phenomenon in Taiwanese junior high level education: behind the battles between streaming and mixed-ability grouping

Abstract

In this article, the author explores the market phenomenon revealed in the practice of a mixed-ability grouping policy in Taiwan, and traces the influence of the wider educational contexts on the formation of the market phenomenon. Although there have been no major policies introduced with the intention of creating a market mechanism in Taiwanese education, the author found that the practice of the mixed-ability grouping policy in junior high level education has been shadowed by a self-initiated market mechanism. Junior high school educators perceive that parents value a high entry rate to the highest ranking academic high schools, and junior high schools develop strategies to boost pupils' academic performance and to attract future pupils. Under such circumstances, junior high level schooling and students are commodified on the basis of a single value – academic performance. The author argues that wider educational contexts, including the senior high school entry examination, and control over the provision of senior high level education, shape the market phenomenon in Taiwanese junior high level education.