The value of comparative education to educational research and practice -- Doing research in comparative education -- A cursory history of education provision in South Africa -- Values and ideologies in education -- Education and theories of development -- The South African education system -- Curriculum futures in South Africa -- Inclusive education in the South African context -- The provision of early childhood education -- Theories, policies and practices of parent involvement in education -- Language policy and linguistic realities in South African schooling -- Teacher education in South Africa.