Books for staff learning

Tackles the essence of what teachers need to know about how Depth of Knowledge and its associated rigours are measured on standards-based assessments. Specifically, readers learn how each DOK rigour aligns with standards, text complexity, close reading, student interaction, the reading-writing connection, and formative assessment. Published in 2018.

With Doing Poorly on Purpose, veteran educator James Delisle dispels the negative associations and stereotypes connected to underachievement. By focusing on smart kids who get poor grades—not because they're unable to do better in school but because they don't want to—Delisle presents a snapshot of underachievement that may look far different from what you envision it to be. Published 2018

This book is a follow up to Visible Learning for Literacy and delves more deeply into one critical component of any Visible Learning classroom: the student who has the ability to self-assess. Based on extensive research and with highly practical classroom scenarios and tools, this resource will help teachers learn how to help their students self-assess and flourish into their own teachers. Published in 2018

Visible Learning: Feedback brings together two internationally known educators, combining Hattie's world famous research expertise with Clarke's vast experience of classroom practice and application. Areas covered include the variability of feedback, the importance of surface, deep and transfer contexts, student to teacher feedback, the power of peer feedback and the power of within-lesson feedback. Feedback is arguably the most critical and powerful aspect of teaching and learning and no other book currently available combines research excellence, theory and vast practical expertise in the same way, making this book an essential resource for teachers in any setting, phase or country. Published in 2018

Educators around the world are uniting behind the need for the profession to have access to more high-quality research and evidence to do their job more effectively. But every year thousands of research papers are published, some of which contradict each other. How can busy teachers know which research is worth investing time in reading and understanding? And how easily is that academic research translated into excellent practice in the classroom? Published 2017

Drawing on Jared Cooney Horvath's nearly 15 years of experience conducting brain research at prominent universities, teaching students from 10 to 80 years of age, and working closely with organizations and schools across 4 continents, Stop Talking, Start Influencing outlines 12 scientific principles of how people learn. The result is a book that shows readers how to impart their knowledge to others in a manner that sticks with and truly influences them - regardless of the situation or circumstance. For every business leader sick of repeating themselves ad nauseam to colleagues and clients, for every coach tired of endlessly drilling athletes without seeing meaningful improvement, for every entrepreneur who's had enough of pouring their heart into presentations only to see no lasting impact among the audience ... it’s time to stop talking and start influencing! Published 2019

Recent statistics show that not enough teachers are entering the profession and that too many are leaving. Teaching is facing a genuine crisis. But why is this? In this thought-provoking book, experienced teacher and leader Dr Emma Kell examines workplace stress and anxiety, conflict and 'toxic politics', and the other factors which lead teachers to ultimately decide to walk away. The author firmly believes there are ways to survive the increasing pressure teachers are under. This book offers a realistic, unflinching and positive perspective on the challenges and rewards of teaching. It includes successful models and strategies where a combination of support and challenge, accountability, and a sense of being valued have encouraged teachers to enter and remain in the profession. Published 2018

Filled with honest, experienced and undeniably helpful advice, Debbie Light's Stretch and Challenge is a must have guide for all teachers who want to collectively maximize their students' learning and achievement. In the past, schools have labelled the most able students in a class or year group as Gifted and talented. While segregating these students may help them to achieve their academic potential, there is little benefit in this practice for their 'less able' classmates. Even less so for those who are left in the middle space, identified as neither highly academic nor severely struggling. The model in this book focuses on setting high expectations for all students, regardless of their ability. Encouraging all children to meet universally high targets introduces flexibility between, otherwise rigid, ability groups, and gives children greater opportunities to exceed. The first part of the book helps teachers to create a culture of high expectations in their classroom by setting challenging learning objectives, creating opportunities for students to develop independence and supporting students, as they become resilient learners. The second half of the book advises teachers how to create an inclusive learning environment where all children feel challenged by encouraging teacher questioning, designing tasks, grouping students and effectively using teaching assistants. Published 2017

In accessible language and with periodic references to Star Trek, motorcycle daredevils, and near-classic movies of the '80s, developmental molecular biologist John Medina, author of the New York Times best-seller Brain Rules, explores the neurological and evolutionary factors that drive teenage behavior and can affect both achievement and engagement. Then he proposes a research-supported counterattack: a bold redesign of educational practices and learning environments to deliberately develop teens' cognitive capacity to manage their emotions, plan, prioritize, and focus. Published in 2018

Teaching Middle Years has established itself as the most respected Australian text to focus on the crucial adolescent years of schooling. Recognition of the importance of the middle years continues to grow as research consistently reveals the benefits young adolescents gain from programs designed especially for their needs...This third edition provides a systematic overview of the philosophy, principles and issues in middle schooling, but brings a new depth of focus to the emotional problems and behavioural challenges in working with middle years students. The editors, Donna Pendergast, Katherine Main and Nan Bahr, explore in detail two key areas in middle years pedagogy, differentiation and engagement and there are new chapters on achieving effective transition, an exploration of the importance of physical activity in adolescence, and an analysis of how to develop co-operative and collaborative learning...Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field and fully revised and updated to reflect the latest research, Teaching Middle Years will assist both pre- service and in-service teachers to bring out the very best in their students. Published in 2017

This book guides school leaders through the initial steps of improving math instruction and offers suggestions for monitoring, supporting, and sustaining improvement. Published in 2018

Veteran educator Marilee Sprenger explains how to teach the essential, high-frequency words that appear in academic contexts—and reverse the disadvantages of what she calls "word poverty." Drawing on research and experience, Sprenger provides a rich array of engaging strategies to help educators across all content areas and grade levels not only teach students a large quantity of words but also ensure that they know these words well. Published in 2017

The theme of this issue is socio-emotional skills. Read the table of contents HERE and contact the library to obtain a copy of any article. Published October 2018

Read the table of contents HERE and contact the library to obtain a copy of any article. Published November 2018

Read the table of contents HERE and contact the library to obtain a copy of any article. Published September 2018