New publicationsThe Learning Leader: How to Focus School Improvement for Better ResultsThe book draws on research studies and observations from successful schools to suggest a leadership for learning framework and related techniques. The author encourages school leaders to analyse their schools, and shows how a results-based focus can lead to misperceptions of performance. The book lists the five key school characteristics needed to improve achievement and close equity gaps, and names six school practices that inhibit learning. Chapters include ‘the seven dimensions of leadership’; the need for collaboration; transforming research into action, leadership and effective feedback; and challenging leadership ‘myths’. Leadership maps are offered as a tool to chart the effectiveness of efforts and plan next steps, with related tools outlined in appendices. (Adapted from publisher's description.) KLA Subject HeadingsSchool principalsSchool leadership School administration Improving Aboriginal NumeracyBased on various consultation and research efforts, the book outlines issues in Indigenous students’ learning, and implications for teaching practice across Years K–9. The book presents a discussion of Aboriginal children and schooling; Aboriginal culture and mathematics; and the school approach to teaching mathematics. A model for helping Aboriginal students learn mathematics is provided, and teaching suggestions for key concepts about number, chance and data, space and measurement are also outlined. (Adapted from publisher’s description.) Key Learning AreasMathematicsSubject HeadingsMathematicsMathematics teaching Numeracy Aboriginal students Getting the Buggers to Turn Up
Continuum Books,
July 2005
The author provides practical advice to help teachers and school leaders overcome attendance issues. Throughout the book, the author stresses the importance of listening to students, and student comments are included in the final chapter. Initial chapters discuss different types of truancy and their legal implications, the reasons behind truancy, and outcomes for truants. Subsequent chapters outline ways to address bullying, school-based influences, alternative courses of action and ways to help students cope when transferring schools. Suggestions for raising pupils’ self-esteem are also offered. Current initiatives to assist students in different situations are outlined. (Adapted from publisher’s description. Also available from DA Information.) KLA Subject HeadingsSchool attendanceThe Impact of Drought on Secondary Education Access in Australia's Rural and Remote Areas
Charles Sturt University,
March 2006
The report explores the impact of drought on young people’s access to all levels of primary, secondary and tertiary education in remote and rural Australia. Researchers found that drought significantly affected students, as they were more likely to be working long hours outside school in either paid or farm work, and were exposed to stresses on family. Students in drought-stricken areas tended to lose friends from school, and were often forced to study by distance. Increased vocational training in schools is suggested, as boys affected by drought were found to be more likely to leave school early, and faced a limited availability of TAFE courses in their communities. Researchers recommend increased financial assistance to ensure urban and rural students have equal access to education. Suggested measures include increasing Assisted Isolated Children (AIC) allowances and automatic eligibility for Youth Allowance where students must leave home. The report also calls for a summit of government agencies and community groups to discuss rural and remote education, and additional support for mothers to deliver home tutoring. The research is based on in-depth investigations in 2005 with students, their families and teachers, as well as business, community and government representatives. The investigations were conducted in seven rural and remote sites at Balranald, Cootamundra and Hay in New South Wales, Blackall and Longreach in Queensland and Cohuna and Kerang in Victoria. The report was funded by the Federal Government and the Rural Education Program of the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. (Adapted from media release, 6 March 2006.) KLA Subject HeadingsDroughtsRural education Preparing Educators to Communicate and Connect with Families and CommunitiesThis book is written by education practitioners, academics and parents from KLA Subject HeadingsTeacher trainingSchool culture Parent and teacher Parent and child School and community United States of America (USA) Composing Diverse Identities: Narrative Inquiries into the Interwoven Lives of Children and Teachers
Routledge,
April 2006
The editor brings together narratives from seven writers who each spent a year in an urban school exploring the experiences of students, families, teachers and administrators. The narratives propose a renewed focus on active citizenship and the whole child. A corresponding shift away from the business model approach, which has been taken in response to the increasing emphasis on testing, measurable outcomes, competition and efficiency, is also favoured. Each narrative explores the experiences and contributions of various members of the school community, and highlights the ethical decisions and issues they faced on a daily basis. The author aims to raise questions about who and what education is for, and how the curriculum is structured to define it. (Adapted from distributor’s description.) KLA Subject HeadingsUnited States of America (USA)School and community Teaching and learning Teacher-student relationships |