Editorial - Politics and discussions

I have a packed issue for you this time. A lot of discussion has taken place in the world of science education recently. We start with one that will have a huge impact for many - the proposed A-level reforms. Things could be very different in 2015. Watch this space for updates.

Also on the boundary of science education and politics we saw the publication of Ben Goldacre's paper on educational research, commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE). Wearing my other hat as managing editor of Chemistry Education Research and Practice (CERP), I do have a vested interest here. Research in chemistry education is a growing field across the world and many are working as researchers and classroom teachers to ensure students have the best learning experiences possible. I contacted Keith Taber, one of chemistry education's research gurus and editor of CERP, to find out if he had an opinion on the report. He did (see p8). A lively discussion ensued on Twitter between Ben and Keith, (Feedback, p10) following online publication of the comment.