New publicationsClosing the Expectations Gap, 2006: An Annual 50-State Progress Report on the Alignment of High School Policies with the Demands of College and Work
Achieve, Inc,
February 2006
In 2005, educational officials, business leaders and governors from 45 states across the USA took part in a national education summit on high schools. The preparation gap that leaves many high school graduates unprepared for successful transition to higher study and the workplace were among the issues discussed. Attendees set an agenda which included raising academic standards and graduation requirements, building stronger data and measurement systems, preparing teachers more effectively, redesigning high schools, and setting performance targets for both K–12 and post-secondary systems. This report is based on a survey of 50 states, and outlines their progress towards the agenda goals relating to the alignment of high school academic standards, course requirements, assessments, and data and accountability systems with post-secondary and workplace expectations. The publication shows a large gap between what high schools expect and what colleges and employers demand in most states, but also reports on progress toward closing the gap. (Adapted from Education Resources Information Centre summary, ERIC ED490192.)
KLA Subject HeadingsSenior secondary educationSecondary education Transitions in schooling United States of America (USA) The New Teachers' Survival Guide to Behaviour
Paul Chapman Publishing,
2004
The author uses her experiences as a lecturer at the University of Western Sydney and as a teacher and educational psychologist in Britain to offer 'survival' advice to new teachers. Using a range of data, the book shows how the stresses of workload, the need to balance competing demands and managing disengaged students are causing high turnover among teachers. The book provides advice, illustrated by case studies, on how to develop good practice and positive relationships. Advice on how to develop positive relationships with other staff and how to work within school systems is also given. New teachers are reminded to monitor their own responsibilities and needs, such as staying positive and keeping healthy. (Adapted from review by Peter Stammers in Journal of In-Service Education, March 2006, pp 133–135. The reviewer suggests that the book could benefit from a discussion on how to deal with parental complaints over discipline and how school policy may be useful in doing so.)
KLA Subject HeadingsTeachers' employmentClassroom management Teacher-student relationships Teaching and learning Behaviour management ECO-schools: Trends and Divergences – a Comparative Study of ECO-school Development Processes in 13 CountriesA comparative study of how schools from 13 countries have addressed Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is presented, with reports on each nation’s eco-school initiative and additional chapters on trends, evaluation and other issues. The authors aim to provide a broad illustration of the characteristics and development of ESD in schools. A companion publication, Quality Criteria for ESD-schools: Guidelines to Enhance the Quality of Educational for Sustainable Development, offers a corresponding list of discussion points for policy makers, school leaders, teachers, parents and students. Rather than focusing solely on ESD, the books take a socio-critical view to encompass issues related to Education for Sustainability (EfS). As such, readers are encouraged to consider personal and environmental health, citizenship and participation, theories of learning and social change and related issues. The books are based on the SEED research program, developed as part of the Environment and School Initiatives network (ENSI). The review suggests there may be a reliance on ‘reporters' interpretations’ of source material, and points out that students' views were considered beyond the scope of and therefore not included in the study. (Adapted from review by Greg Mannion in Environmental Education Research, November 2006). KLA Subject HeadingsSustainable developmentEnvironmental Education Geography: Teaching School Subjects 11-19
Routledge,
2005
The teaching of geography is analysed by the authors, to show trainee and beginning geography teachers how to create engaging and accessible lessons. Content is arranged according to subheadings and illustrated with quotes and anecdotes. The first part of the book presents a history of human and physical geography and looks at different perspectives on the role of geography in society. The latest developments in geographical knowledge are discussed, in line with future intellectual and political challenges. Consideration is given to how culture and politics shape the values and design of geography teaching, with reference to current policy in England. The second part of the book suggests pedagogical practices, with lesson examples. It considers how language and literacy, technical literacy and critical awareness of the media can be taught within geography. The final part of the book includes suggestions for good teaching practice and ways to engage adolescent students. Suggested strategies are linked to teaching standards in England but can also be related to Australian standards. (Adapted from review by Nick Hutchinson in Geographical Education, vol 19, 2006.)
Key Learning AreasStudies of Society and EnvironmentSubject HeadingsSecondary educationGreat Britain Geography Inspiring Active Learning: a Complete Handbook for Today's Teachers (2nd Edn)
ASCD,
2006
Over 250 strategies to help teachers engage students in learning are outlined. The strategies cover topics such as how to begin classes, maintain student attention and bring classes to meaningful conclusions. The book also suggests ways to manage disruptive students, help students overcome apprehension and encourage student participation through strategic questioning. The strategies are supported by classroom examples from every grade level and subject area. This revised and expanded second edition is organised around specific teaching problems to help teachers select strategies relevant to students' needs. Advice on how teachers can assist students of varying confidence and motivation levels is also offered. (Adapted from publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsTeaching and learningStudents Teacher-student relationships Other People's Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom
The New Press,
2006
Winner of an American Educational Studies Association Critics’ Choice Award and Choice Magazine’s Outstanding Academic book award, and voted one of Teacher Magazine’s 'great books', Other People’s Children has sold more than 150,000 copies since its original hardcover publication. Lisa Delpit suggests that many academic problems attributed to children of colour are actually the result of miscommunication. She develops ideas about ways teachers can be better 'cultural transmitters' in the classroom, where prejudice, stereotypes and cultural assumptions impede education. The author is an Eminent Scholar and Executive Director of the Center for Urban Education and Innovation at Florida International University in Miami. (Adapted from publisher's description.) KLA Subject HeadingsEthnic groupsEquality Teaching and learning Social life and customs Teacher-student relationships Socially disadvantaged United States of America (USA) |