New publications

In January 2013 the Standing Council on School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC) released the 2011 Annual Report for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan 2010–2014. This report reinforces the value of the Action Plan, which enshrines the commitment by all Australian governments to reforming schooling and early childhood education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. It details progress against 55 key actions under the Action Plan. The 2011 Annual Report is more comprehensive than the previous year's report in that it includes details of innovative systemic and local actions across every jurisdiction. See SCSEEC statement 3 January 2013.

According to this survey of teachers, conducted by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project, the internet has opened up a vast world of information for today's students, yet students' digital literacy skills have yet to catch up. Adapted from report overview.

This report, published by Pearson and written by the Economist Intelligence Unit, is part of a wide-ranging programme of quantitative and qualitative analysis. It outlines the main findings from analysis of a large body of internationally comparable education data: The Learning Curve Data Bank. It also draws on extensive desk research, as well as in-depth interviews conducted with 16 experts in education. The research was conducted entirely by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The report was written by Dr Paul Kielstra and edited by Denis McCauley of the Economist Intelligence Unit. Adapted from report Preface, linked to the full report online.

This book is designed for teachers of history who are looking for techniques to construct quality learning experiences for their students and actively engage them in reconstructing the past. It suggests various forms of role-play, simulations and dramatic activities covering broad historical themes. It also includes examples of lesson activities, resources and assessment strategies. An ebook version is also available. Adapted from publisher's description, which also links to professional learning opportunities related to the text.

In many Western countries fat bodies outnumber those that are thin, yet fat people are socially stigmatised. Fat reviews current scholarship and research into obesity discourse and politics, drawing upon critical perspectives offered in the humanities and social sciences and by fat activism and the size-acceptance movement. It is designed for the interested general reader, as well as for students across the humanities and social sciences. Adapted from publisher's description. See also news item from University of Sydney 18 October 2012.

This exploratory research, conducted by the Commission's 2012 Young People Advisory Group (YPAG), seeks to add to the evidence base that is informing the development of a middle-years agenda for New South Wales. It identifies, from the perspective of children, what they would like to do and some of the barriers that prevent them from these things. In all, children reported that they spend time on a diverse range of activities after school. Children's preferences for how they would like to spend their time are equally diverse. Nonetheless, there are some clear themes apparent in the research. Adapted from report. See also article in The Daily Telegraph 6 March 2013.

Child Protection provides a guide to child abuse and child protection, and relevant information. It covers non-medical topics relating to child abuse, neglect and the ways in which abuse can be prevented, identified and managed. The book has been written for all those working with children, especially in schools and early childhood settings, out-of-home care, counselling, police, the legal system and family services. Adapted from review by Professor Frida Briggs. See also publisher web page.