New publications

This text is based around the latest NCTM standards and is a thorough and practical guide to teaching Kindergarten through to Sixth Grade level mathematics. Features include cooperative learning activities and technology resources for teachers and students. New to this edition are a 'Multicultural Connection' feature that provides meaningful ways a teacher can include and value the cultural background of all students in the classroom, and an enriching website containing a wide variety of practical resources for instructors and students. Adapted from publisher's description.

Prepared in 2006, The Australian Country Background Report for the OECD's Improving School Leadership Activity Report provides information on school leadership in Australia, including school governance, the links between leadership and learning outcomes, the attractiveness of the leadership role, and training and professional development for school leaders. The Report informs the OECD's International Comparative Report on school leadership, due for release in April 2008. Topics detailed include career choices, skill needs, education policy and workplace and employers. Adapted from education department description. Complete report available for download here.

The SIAS project, undertaken by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in collaboration with the Australia College of Educators (ACE), gathered information from over 13,000 secondary and primary school teachers and leaders across the country. The project's findings and recommendations are presented in two components: the Staff in Australia's Schools data survey, and a report on Teacher Workforce Data and Planning Processes in Australia. These reports provide a wide range of comprehensive data and advice on a number of aspects relating to teacher and school leader workforce issues, such as attraction and retention of teachers, staff shortages and professional learning. Adapted from Education Department summary.  Full report available for download here.

Russian followers of Vygotsky have elaborated his ideas into a theory that integrates cognitive, motivational and social aspects of child development with an emphasis on the role of children’s activity as mediated by adults in their development. In this book, a discussion of the neo-Vygotskians’ approach to child development is supported by a review of their empirical data, much of which has never before been available to English-speaking readers. The five major periods from birth to adolescence are covered, followed by a discussion of the accomplishments and shortcomings of the neo-Vygotskian approach. Adapted from publisher's description.

The Department for Children, Schools and Familties (DCSF) Primary Schools Whiteboard Expansion project (PSWE) provided funding to 21 local authorities in 2003–04 to support the acquisition and use of interactive whiteboards in primary schools. Around 7,000 pupils were involved in the study, which found that the whiteboards substantially increased educational attainment, in many cases by several months. Adapted from report summary. Full report available for download here.

This book is full of materials that will inspire, motivate and challenge able children. It has strong links to the curriculum in a wide range of subjects and can be used in normal lessons, in enrichment activities, for homework, on thinking skills courses or as activities for extra-curricular clubs or societies. Written with busy teachers in mind, it includes a chart detailing curriculum tie-ins, a range of photocopiable solutions and a set of fully explained solutions.