New publicationsIn the Balance: the Future of Australia’s Primary Schools
DEST,
October 2007
This is the fourth in a series of studies investigating the resourcing of Australian primary schools. The first surveyed the views of principals; the second examined the relative levels of funding of primary and secondary schools from the nineteenth century to the present; and the third presented intensive case studies of the level and use of resources in 30 primary schools. This study builds on the earlier studies and examines the capacity of Australian primary schools to meet the challenges facing them. Researchers from the Australian Council for Educational Research drew a random sample of 160 primary schools structured so that schools from each State and sector were included. All government and non-government education authorities gave permission for the schools in their jurisdictions to take part. It was agreed that there would be no reporting of differences among States or school systems and that individual schools would not be identified. The conclusions reached in the study therefore apply to Australian primary schools generally. The study focused on: curriculum coverage and assessment; targeted support in core curriculum areas for resource intensive students (students with special needs and/or behaviour disorders); teacher quality; and school discretion and control of resource allocation. (From publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsPrimary educationEducational evaluation Rethink!
SLAV,
2007
Written by an academic in literacy learning, this book offers ideas and inspiration for school library design. Library layout and design are explored through 12 case studies encompassing large and small libraries, new building projects, extensions and renovations. The book considers various architectural and interior design perspectives, and suggests ways to integrate ICT in school libraries. A separate section by a marketing and retail consultant offers merchandising strategies, insights into traffic flow, layout ideas and signage and promotion ideas. (Adapted from publisher's description)
KLA Subject HeadingsSchool librariesSchool buildings Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Marketing Letters to a Young Teacher
Random House,
August 2007
In his collection of letters to a first year teacher in an elementary school, Jonathan Kozol reflects on what he calls the 'beautiful profession' and offers guidance for the many unexpected challenges encountered. Kozol recounts stories from his 40 years' experience in public schools, and offers advice for new teachers. Building on topics covered in his previous books, Kozol argues that US schools are being resegregated along racial lines. He also attacks what he calls 'obsessive testing mania' and 'robotic teaching methods' which, he says, are impacting on the poorest schools in particular. The book also celebrates teaching, describing the moments of 'sheer jubilation' as students begin to flourish. (Adapted from publisher's description.)
KLA Subject HeadingsTeaching and learningTeaching profession United States of America (USA) Equality Socially disadvantaged Assessment Racism Ethnic groups Discrimination Blacks 6 Bridges to Effective TeachingTwo Australian teachers describe how they moved from an 'authoritarian' approach to an approach that focuses on developing positive relationships with students, staff and parents. The authors suggest tools that teachers can use to manage relationships in the classroom and school community. The tools suggested are designed to help teachers of all levels of seniority and experience to identify and build on strengths, overcome stress and weaknesses, and draw comfort from the success of others. (Adapted from publisher's description.) KLA Subject HeadingsTeacher-student relationshipsTeaching and learning Gender Inequality in Performance and Attainment
NFER,
2007
A survey conducted for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in Britain has investigated gender inequality in primary and secondary school across various European countries. The countries surveyed include Austria, Finland, France, Italy, Malta, Scotland and Sweden. The report provides an edited summary, by country, of responses received in May 2007 and includes links to further information. (Adapted from publisher's description.) KLA Subject HeadingsEducational evaluationGirls' education Boys' education Primary education Secondary education Equality Europe The Confident Speaker
McGraw-Hill,
2007
Speaking tips are offered for the classroom, staff meetings and workshop or lecture presentations. Speakers should be able to be honest when they don't know an answer, and 'celebrate' new knowledge supplied by the audience. Practical tips cover how to handle nerves, and ways to keep calm in the five minutes preceeding a talk. Adapted from review by Steve Holden in Teacher September 2007. (See also publisher's description.) KLA Subject HeadingsTeaching and learning |