The purpose of this book is to re-orient the current agenda in education towards learning. The recent emphasis has been on achieving standards through managing schools, teachers and the teaching process. But the real purpose of schools was, is, and always will be about learning.

In an increasingly complex, diverse and unpredictable world, it is necessary for schools and those working with them to refocus on learning at all levels - pupils, teachers, leaders, the organisation as a whole and all of the school's partners.

It's About Learning is a clear and well written...

The What's in it for Schools series has been written by experts in the field for an audience of busy practitioners. The books present research and thinking about topical education issues and present it in an accessible and relevant way.
What makes a good leader? Does good leadership matter in helping schools be more successful? This concise and accessible book examines leadership in a practical way by helping principals, heads, teachers and parents establish their roles and responsibilities and get to grips with the unique leadership requirements of schools.
The author explores issues...

There has been much debate on the purposes and methods of assessment over the last couple of years. This book gathers together the latest thinking and looks at how assessment can be used to promote or inhibit learning. Unlike other books on the market, this one summarizes theory and shows how it can be best put into practice, using as little jargon as possible.

Some of the issues discussed in this text include:

* how assessment can erode self-esteem and motivation
* how skills of reflection, self-evaluation and personal target setting can impact on learning
* how far...

A significant number of recent initiatives have focused upon structural change within the schools in the belief that this would impact upon classroom practice. However, the research evidence demonstrates that without a central focus upon teaching and learning, school improvement efforts can become marginalized and their impact is significantly reduced. Within the research and practitioner community there is a growing recognition of the importance if locating school improvement where it matters most - in the classroom. Using case study evidence from the Improving the Quality of Education For...

"The What's in it for schools"? series aims to make educational policy issues relevant to practitioners. Each book in the series focuses on a major educational issue. The authors set the issue in context, look at how it impacts on the daily lives of schools and teachers, and raise key questions. The books are grounded in social theory, recent research evidence and best practice, and will make an excellent contribution to any staffroom bookshelf.
In classrooms that operate as learning communities, the social and learning purposes advance together through all participants being involved and...