New publications

The Effective Teaching of Religious Education is designed to provide a firm foundation for the teaching of Religious Education (RE) at both primary and secondary level. It takes a direct approach to the challenges of teaching RE today and includes many suggestions and examples of classroom practice. Topics include the features of an effective RE teacher, the purpose of RE, Christianity and other world religions, truth claims and thinking skills, and how to encourage spiritual development. Adapted from publisher's description.

Mastering Assessment is a set of booklets about a wide range of topics related to educational assessment, written by assessment expert W James Popham. Topics include reducing assessment bias, how to build constructed response tests, and scoring rubrics. See publisher's description. The books aim to help educators acquire the 'assessment literacy' increasingly expected of them. Also available in Australia via Scribbly Gum mail order bookshop.

The fourth edition seeks to provide a range of perspectives on the nature of curriculum. Colin J Marsh (Curtin University) and George Willis (University of Rhode Island) describe specific, practical details of the processes involved in developing curricula, accompanied by examples and references.  This edition has many additional features dealing with the USA's No Child Left Behind legislation, evaluation standards and large-scale curriculum implementation examples. Adapted from publisher's description.

The third edition of Curriculum Construction, introduces and analyses curriculum development, interpretation and implementation. The text aims to develop students’ understanding of both the theoretical and practical components of curriculum construction. The theoretical dimension of the text includes coverage of the broad social and political influences on a curriculum, coverage of global contexts and national curriculum initiatives and a discussion of values in education. The practical section of the text provides teachers, as well as members of the school community, with the knowledge and skills to engage fully in the task of curriculum construction. Adapted from publisher's description, which includes details of content new to the current edition.

The leadership plan and proposals for action in this book aim to help teachers build on students' literacy skills and intervene with students who falter. The book explores ways to connect literacy instruction to adolescents' needs, interests and dispositions. The use of assessment data to guide literacy programs is covered, as well as different ways to reallocate resources and leadership roles to support a school- or district-wide literacy program. The book includes strategies to integrate literacy and learning across the content areas, targeted interventions for students who are struggling the most, support structures that involve teachers, administrators, parents and community members, and examples of school environments that sustain literacy development. Adapted from publisher's description.

Designed for classroom teachers and administrators, this resource offers a range of ways to assist adolescents' literacy learning. Part I highlights research on what works with adolescent learners and discusses how to implement instructional programs to fit the unique needs of particular schools or districts. Part II presents a directory of more than 40 programs designed for middle and secondary students. Summary charts offer a quick way to identify programs suitable for particular student needs. Adapted from publisher's summary.