New publications

'This report canvasses the opinions of over 200 Australian secondary school principals regarding the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs in schools.' From executive summary, part of the full report online. Published as ANCD Research Paper 26. For commentary on the report see article in The Mercury and article in The Australian Teacher, both 6 March, and report on ABC News 7 March 2014

'The effects of neighbourhood characteristics on young people's educational outcomes at age 15, 17 and 19 years in Australia, using data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY), are investigated in this report. The results indicate that outcomes are likely to be much the same for two students with similar individual and parental characteristics attending the same school but living in neighbourhoods with different levels of socioeconomic status. Mentoring efforts that help shape aspirations of young people at an early age could have a high payoff in terms of post-school outcomes.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.

'Primary Problems: A First Curriculum for Mathematics emphasises the importance of mathematics in the primary years. Its author, Professor David Burghes, considers the examples from a group of successful, mathematically high-performing countries, Singapore, Japan and Finland. He suggests that there are lessons for this country both in terms of what is taught and when. Professor Burghes compares the government’s new proposals with these models, and while welcoming certain features, including the greater freedom for teachers, suggests where they might be modified for greater success.' From publisher's description.

'This book explores how two primary school teachers, identified as effective practitioners, approached science teaching and learning over a unit of work. In recording the teaching and learning experiences in their classrooms, the author highlights how the two teachers adopted different approaches, drawing on their particular beliefs and knowledge, to support student learning in science in ways that were appropriate to their contexts as well as reflected their different experiences, strengths and backgrounds.' From publisher's description.

'Exploring all areas of the curriculum including observation and assessment, child development, play, repetition and the environment, this book describes the key principles of the Steiner Waldorf approach to early childhood with examples from Steiner settings; provides students and practitioners with the relevant information about a key pedagogical influence on high quality early years practice in the United Kingdom; highlights the key ideas that practitioners should consider when reviewing and reflecting on their own practice', and 'can be used as the basis for continuing professional development and action research'. From publisher's description.

Chapter titles include 'What do we mean by creativity and creative thinking?'; 'Children's voices: young children as participants in research'; 'Children's experiences of creative thinking'; 'Parents' experiences of supporting children's creative thinking'; and 'Practitioners' experience of promoting children's creative thinking'. See also publisher's description.