New publications

ch with Tony whether to incl - competitive to CC??

This report, based on a recent survey of British schools, explores how schools involve parents and carers in education. Although all schools surveyed valued carers’ involvement, those with strong leadership, that identified specific ways to involve parents, and evaluated parental involvement were found to be most effective in creating school–family partnerships. Effective schools held regular parent–teacher meetings to discuss children’s progress and suggested ways for parents to assist at home. Finding out about parents’ skills and involving them in the classroom also proved valuable, and helped parents gain insight into learning in turn. Involving grandparents and extended family was shown to improve children's attitudes and achievement. Leading schools involved ethnic minorities through the use of interpreters, translators and community representatives. (Adapted from report.)

The potential benefits and disadvantages of using teacher performance-based pay are identified, along with key issues for implementing such a system into Australia. Prepared at the request of the Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA), this paper focuses on implications for primary schools. The report begins by considering the concept of performance-based pay in the industry generally, and more specifically for schools. The historical and current use of performance- based pay within schools in Australia, Britain, the USA and New Zealand is explored. Potential issues for implementation covered include impact on the quality of teaching and learning, practical and structural issues, and the feasibility and desirability of performance-based pay. (Adapted from report.)