New publications

This book begins with an appeal to teachers to remain positive in spite of what’s happening outside the classroom and provides ideas to build confidence in addressing students’ troubles. It offers insights into dealing with various challenges including children’s worries about the world, the parental tendency to overprotect and teachers’ need to ‘recharge’ in the midst of a stressful day. The book suggests simple ways of guiding honest and responsive discussion, as well as activities that encourage students to disengage from their fears. It addresses children’s exposure to violence and stereotypes, especially through the media. It shows teachers how to explore major issues in the lives of their students in a healthy, positive way, and how to encourage stronger, more aware, independent and successful learners. Available from the distributor Educational Services Australia. The full copy of the book can be viewed online.

This report researched and documents the general issues and concerns of religious and non-religious communities in Australia, principally based on direct consultation with the Australian people. The focus of this research was views expressed about issues relating to freedom of religion and belief in Australian society. The research included consultation with Australian faith and community leaders; consultation with government officials and NGO representatives; consultation with the Australian public via a national call for submissions; and a series of commissioned papers related to faith and society. Adapted from the report which is available online. Also see media release.

Curriculum perspectives is nationally and internationally recognised as one of the key journals covering curriculum issues. This collection includes 30 of the papers published in the journal. They address some of the most persistent issues surrounding curriculum in Australia. Adapted from the publisher’s description.

The IEA Second International Technology in Education Study (SITES) survey was conducted internationally in 22 countries during 2006 and then implemented in Australia as a comparison study in 2007. This report presents data on comparisons between Australia and the other countries in the use of ICT in teaching year 8 science and mathematics. Adapted from the report, which is available online. 

The recently held International Summit on the Teaching Profession brought together education ministers, union leaders and other teacher leaders from high-performing and rapidly improving education systems to review how best to improve teacher quality and the quality of teaching and learning. This background report, taking up the four themes of the summit in turn, presents available evidence about what can make teacher-oriented reforms effective, and highlights selected examples of reforms that have produced specific results, show promise or illustrate imaginative ways of implementing change. The first three themes look at system features that shape particular aspects of teachers’ professional careers. The fourth theme looks at process, and considers what can make reform effective. Adapted from the report which is available online. See also media release.

This book argues that flawed assumptions have shaped the debate on US school reform for decades, hampering progress. The author proposes alternative assumptions as the basis for a whole new system of schooling. Topics include leadership, students as digital natives, student attrition and high-stakes testing. Adapted from the publisher’s description.