New publicationsIntegrating Educational Systems for Successful Reform in Diverse Contexts
Cambridge University Press,
September 2006
– ISBN: 0521674344
Linguistic, ethnic and economic diversity is claimed to be a major influence on how school reform ought to be accomplished at local, district, state and federal levels. This book examines the issue of successful school reform in diverse communities. It claims to be the first to synthesise research on educational research on educational reform pertaining to racially and linguistically diverse students. It aims to examine what is needed at the teacher, school, district, state and federal levels for educational reform to be successful in multicultural, multilingual settings. Conclusions are based on a review of hundreds of recent quantitative and qualitative studies relating to educational reform in diverse communities. The authors discuss key policy and relational, political and resource linkages that assist in achieving sustainable improvement in schools serving at-risk students. The book includes links to further resources. (Adapted from the publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsUnited States of America (USA)School and community Educational planning Education research Primary Teacher Work Study Report
New Zealand Ministry of Education,
August 2006
Undertaken by the ACER, this research considers the nature and patterns of work for New Zealand primary teachers. The report aims to provide stakeholders with information on how the work of a teacher could be better structured, resourced and organised to support more effective classroom teaching. The findings are based on surveys with staff from 372 primary schools, 25 in-depth case studies representing a range of different types of schools and workload issues, and 22 teacher diaries. The average working week for teachers was found to be between around 50 hours and 22 additional days during term breaks. Principals reported working 58 hours per week on average. Around 25 per cent of respondents reported workloads were 'hardly ever manageable', citing planning, preparation, assessment and reporting, meetings and related paperwork as their major non-teaching tasks. The provision of laptops, use of ICT and meeting restrictions had effectively reduced teacher workload in some schools. The report mentions potential areas for improving teacher workload, including reduced class size, more guaranteed time release, streamlining paperwork processes at school or Ministry level, more time to implement and consolidate changes in pedagogical practice, and developing professional communities. A subsequent report focuses on workload issues in the middle management of schools. (Adapted from report summary.) KLA Subject HeadingsTeaching and learningPrimary education New Zealand The Red Pencil: Convictions from Experience in Education
Yale University Press,
2004
In this consideration of high school reform in the USA, the author offers a critique of the current system of schooling, as well as ideas for improving adolescent education. He argues that teachers need to be more involved in the development of reform models if reforms are to succeed. His suggestions for improvement include more flexible class schedules, greater integration across subject areas, and advancement of students on the basis of individual achievement rather than age.(Adapted from a review by Ronald S Byrnes in International Journal of Leadership in Education, April–June 2006.)
KLA Subject HeadingsUnited States of America (USA)Secondary education Education and state Teachers' Pocketbooks
Curriculum Corporation,
2007
This series of pocketbooks is written for teachers and educational professionals working with, or in, primary and secondary schools. Each book covers a specific topic, which may relate to teaching and learning; social, emotional and behavioural issues; personal and professional development or whole school issues. Individual titles include 'ICT in the Classroom', 'Assessment and Learning', 'Dyslexia', 'Accelerated Learning' and 'Creative Teaching', 'Fundraising for Schools', 'Promoting Your School'. Each book outlines teaching techniques, practical ideas for immediate classroom use and motivational tips. The books have an A6 format to aid portability. Each title has been published separately between 2003 and 2007. (See publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsSchool administrationProfessional development Teaching and learning Supervision for Learning: A Performance-Based Approach to Teacher Development and School Improvement
ASCD,
2006
Written for school leaders, the book describes a supervisory model that aims to link student achievement and teacher professional development. A step-by-step guide on envisaging and implementing the model begins by showing how to analyse student learning data. Principals are given advice on how to involve and encourage collaboration among staff and show them how to use student learning data to inform their instructional decisions on how they teach. Guidance on creating individual professional development plans, differentiating and managing supervision and evaluation and evaluating teacher development is provided, along with how to apply the model to administrators. Case studies from different types of schools in the US are included on an accompanying website. Example case studies from a suburban middle school, an urban school and a state-wide technical high school system can be viewed on the publisher’s website. (Adapted from publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsProfessional developmentSchool principals School administration About Time for Teaching
Reed Publishing,
2006
Practical time management tips are outlined, gathered from principals, teachers and school support staff. The author offers over 120 suggestions on how to achieve goals such as minimising interruptions, simplifying meeting procedures and managing work–life balance effectively. Delegating and communicating effectively with parents, students and the Board are covered, along with how email, phone and ICT can be used to save time. Time-saving strategies for school adminstrators and support staff are also offered on management of day-to-day tasks, the office environment and efficient communication. (Adapted from review by Stuart Maish in The Australian Educational Leader vol 28, no 4, 2006 and the publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsSchool principalsSchool administration Teaching and learning |