New publications

In Practical Application of Classroom Management Theories into Strategies, the author outlines the specific skills educators require for successful classroom management and behaviour-control strategies. Research supports the premise that knowledge of effective classroom management techniques and strategies is essential in helping teachers to deal effectively with inappropriate, aggressive, and/or unacceptable classroom behaviours. For new teachers, classroom management is especially critical. Key elements of successful classroom management for new, as well as seasoned, teachers include how to manage children from diverse backgrounds, how to employ effective strategies to deal with various types of behaviour problems, how to effectively assess and diagnose behavioural problems, how to seek professional services, how to communicate effectively with parents, and how to recognise the ways cultural differences impact on behaviour. (Adapted from publisher's description)

Even young children are capable of ascertaining what adults think of them. All too often, they live down to expectations, as well as up to them. This book is about the context in which expectations play themselves out. Drawing upon a generation of research on self-fulfilling prophecies in education, including the author's own fieldwork in schools, Reaching Higher argues that our expectations of children are often too low. Through case studies, Weinstein argues that children labelled early as 'not very smart' can go on to accomplish far more than is expected of them by an educational system with too narrow a definition of ability and the way abilities should be nurtured. Weinstein faults the system, pointing out that teachers themselves are harnessed by policies that do not enable them to reach higher for all children. Analysis is taken beyond current reforms that focus on accountability for test results. With descriptions of effective classrooms and schools, Weinstein makes a case for a changed system that will make the most of every child, and enable students and teachers to engage more meaningfully in learning. (Adapted from publisher's description)

The growth of faith-based schools, particularly within Muslim communities, has signalled a clear change in direction as a number of religious groups have begun to question the efficacy of 'secular' schooling for all. The central question of why it is that some faith-based schools are regarded as different from others is raised. What makes Muslim and Sikh schools, for example, different from those classified as Anglican, Catholic or Jewish? At the heart of the debate is the question of segregation in terms of race and ethnicity. This book draws on first-hand research to explore these issues and the concerns that the expansion of new faith-based schools will prove to be socially divisive, encourage 'fundamentalism', and incite religious and ethnic tensions.  Topics covered include an historical perspective of faith-based schooling; community, family and culture; legal matters and accountability; curriculum issues; and special educational needs in faith-based schools. (Adapted from publisher's description)

The twelfth annual yearbook of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) represents the latest work and research of NCPEA members, who include both professors and practitioners of educational leadership. This collection of essays represents the current thinking in educational administration and principal preparation, and is a resource designed for use within leadership preparation programs. (Adapted from publisher's description)