New publications

'TALIS aims to provide internationally comparable information in the areas of teacher demographic characteristics, school leadership, teacher professional development, systems of feedback and appraisals for the teaching workforce, school effectiveness, and teacher practices and beliefs.' From Executive Summary. See the full report online. See also publisher's description.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, referred to as STEM, are central to our future because of their role in securing Australia’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing world. The report examines the characteristics and outputs of Australian STEM based on indicators that allow international comparability. The main elements considered are research outputs in STEM, funding for STEM research and development, international collaboration in STEM research, Australia’s STEM workforce, and STEM education in schools and higher education institutions. From Foreward and Introduction. The full report is available online. Chapter 9, on schools, analyses the performance of the Australian school system, with a focus on student performance in international testing, teaching in science and mathematics, and participation rates in senior school mathematics and science.' (p90)

'The National Assessment Program – Civics and Citizenship measures not only students' skills, knowledge and understandings of Australia’s system of government and civic life but also student attitudes, values and participation in civic-related activities at school and in the community.' From Foreward. See the full report online.

'What do children in Australia value about their communities? How are communities supporting children? How are communities failing them – and why? These questions underpin the "Children, Communities and Social Capital in Australia" research project, and shape this report.' From Executive Summary. In relation to schooling, the report recommends that initiatives to build strong communities for children 'should not rely exclusively on schools'; if schools' role 'is expanded to include community strengthening and building, individual schools must be resourced adequately to play such expanded roles'; and curriculum planners should consider 'the negative, as well as positive, aspects of school homework' (p186). The full report is available online.

'The Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report measures the wellbeing of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. The report provides information about outcomes across a range of strategic areas such as early child development, education and training, healthy lives, economic participation, home environment, and safe and supportive communities.' From publisher's description. The report covers measures achievement against COAG targets for Early childhood education; Reading, writing and numeracy; and year 12 attainment. It also discusses strategic areas for action around education and training. The full report is available online.

'Two of the most respected voices in education and a team of young education scholars identify 50 myths and lies that threaten America's public schools....They explain how the mythical failure of public education has been created and perpetuated in large part by political and economic interests that stand to gain from its destruction. They also expose a rapidly expanding variety of organizations and media that intentionally misrepresent facts.' From publisher's description.

'Education officials, specialist leaders and teachers have all been involved in different ways to bring about school reform in Hong Kong... This volume represents a range of authors and specialists involved in a number of different reforms, covering themes such as historical policy contexts, new curriculum approaches, changing pedagogies, school leadership, implementation and change, and assessment and evaluation.' From publisher's description.

The Graduate and Grow kit is designed for new teachers and the leaders who will assist them. The kit includes a leader's booklet, a graduate's booklet and a folder of 24 resource cards. The leaders booklet includes research on leadership and graduate connections, a two year planner and a mentoring guide. The graduates handbook includes a guide on how to plan for skill development. The resource cards act as professional development starters, with information linked to the National Teaching Standards and the Professional Standard for Principals. See publisher's description.

The report of the inquiry into TAFE (Technical And Further Education) and its operation, for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education and Employment Government of Australia. The report examines the importance of TAFE for the Australian economy. The full report is available online.

'This study considers issues pertinent to ensuring the Australian education and training system can respond to emerging skills demand in the following industries: food and agriculture; biotechnology and pharmaceuticals; advanced manufacturing; mining equipment, technology and services; and oil and gas. The report finds a widening gap between education and skills demand and highlights the crucial role of employers in developing a skilled workforce, as well as calling for a shift in thinking about the way skills are generated.' From publisher's description, linked to the full report online.