In This Issue

EDITORIAL and INSIDE INSIGHT

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD – Solution

OPINION – Vouchers

School education vouchers for students act like a beneficial tide, lifting all boats, says Julie Novak.

FEATURE – Assessment: The heart of effective practice

A whole-school as well as a classroom focus on assessment is central to improving student learning. Margaret Forster explains.

THE PROFESSION – Bright sparks

If the new Teach for Australia scheme is to succeed, it must introduce teachers into our schools who have real spark, say Jeanne Shaw and David Bott.

CLASSROOM CONFIDENTIAL – Shaping society: Schools lead the way

It’s often said that schools reflect society, but today’s schools are actively influencing society, says Seamus O’Grady.

RESEARCH –

Speaking up: A proven anti-bullying program

Sharlene Chadwick reports on research that suggests improving the way students relate to each other helps to reduce bullying behaviours.

Child's play

What children learn by age five can predict the success – or otherwise – of their lifelong education. Rebecca Leech looks at the research.

School students and part-time work: Workplace problems and challenges

If there are problems and challenges associated with teenage part-time workers, the findings of a large national research project on student work suggests larger companies address them. Erica Smith and Wendy Patton report their research.

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE and IN BRIEF

ISSUES – Physical education and the national curriculum

There’s a reason why Health and Physical Education deserves a place in any national curriculum, and it’s not just to do with the survival of the discipline, says Steven Stolz.

REVIEW

The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution

THE DIARY

AS I SEE IT... High jump

The way parents live vicariously through their children is pathetic, unless they live vicariously through their children’s sport – well, their children’s highjumping prowess, actually, says coach Danny Katz.