New publications

The Journal of Writing Research (JoWR) is a new open-access international peer reviewed journal that publishes high quality theoretical, empirical, and review papers covering the broad spectrum of writing research. The mandate of the Journal of Writing Research is to publish excellent and innovative writing research drawn from a range of academic disciplines; to stimulate interdisciplinary writing research; to be fully international; to apply high academic standards, including double blind peer review; and to share knowledge through open access. Access full text online.

The ways in which classroom assessments can be used to improve teaching and learning are outlined in this text, which focuses on how well-constructed assessments can provide data essential for developing learning opportunities for students. It includes directions for integrating assessment results, alternative assessment approaches for struggling students, and examples of successful teacher collaboration to improve assessment. Chapter topics include issues in classroom assessment, inclusive classroom assessment, applying assessment data, and the use of informal assessments to monitor literacy progress. Adapted from publisher's website.

The latest theory and research on adolescent development is considered in this text, which focuses on sexuality as an integral part of maturation. Relevant key issues such as changes in teenage sexual behaviours and beliefs, body image, sex education, and teen pregnancy are covered, and the roles of peers and adults with relation to sexual development are discussed. Chapter topics include gender, sexuality and romance; issues for gay and lesbian adolescents; sexually transmitted infections; and the social context of sexuality. Adapted from publisher's description.

International research and experiences are drawn upon in this text, which examines the methods of leadership development used in Europe, Africa, the Asia–Pacific region, and North America. Research focusing on the impact of leadership on schools and students is analysed, and future directions for leadership development are considered. Chapter topics include leadership and school improvement, models of educational leadership, and developing and supporting leaders in developing and developed countries. Adapted from publisher's website.

The focus of this text is building leadership capacity in schools. The text aims to provide opportunities for all staff to contribute to leadership and to foster a culture of personalised learning. Methods for distributing leadership responsibilities across staff in order to build leadership capacity and personalise learning for students are outlined. Case studies from successful schools are used to illustrate the ways in which personalised learning can be encouraged and promoted. Adapted from publisher's website.

The basis of this text is a large-scale empirical study that required students to perform tasks in two languages while reporting their thinking. The three competencies and skills explored were vocabulary knowledge, word guessing strategies, and writing. Statistical and qualitative analyses are used to explore the relationship between these skills, and to describe learners' developmental levels. Implications for further research and instruction are addressed. Adapted from publisher's description.