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E Nesbit: Author Study Activities for Key Stage 2
by Helen BromleyThis innovative series is designed to help primary teachers plan focused sessions on the work of popular, well-loved and valued authors, both classic and contemporary. Each book contains a range of activities for use directly in the classroom, covering biographical information about the author; a review of the author's work and a summary of major themes in his/her key texts; key language features of the author; frameworks to help children analyze, evaluate and compare texts, and to develop personal opinions of authors' works; ideas for writing modeled on or developed from key texts; speaking and listening opportunities; drama and role play ideas; and references to video, CD-ROM, websites and ICT activities. Inside each book is a full-color pullout poster illustrating the work of the author, which also has a set of challenges for children on the back. First published in the 1900s, Edith Nesbit's classic stories - including tales about the Bastable family, Five Children and It, The Treasure Seekers and The Railway Children - are still very popular indeed. This book presents activities on which to build a study of E. Nesbit's work, including: developing philosophical discussions on a variety of topics; ideas for writing - both narrative and non-narrative; ways of encouraging children to analyze text through devising games for others to play; promoting research skills - including critical reflection on internet use; investigating changes in language; comparing televisual and written versions of text; and work on cross-curricular themes, including history and geography.
Early Comprehension Book 2 (PDF)
by Anne ForsterEarly Comprehension is a series of graded activity books that develop children's ability to make sense of pictures and text - through activities such as story sequencing, reading for meaning and traditional comprehension work. Early Comprehension Book 2 covers: matching pictures with captions; reading simple instructions; riddles; speech bubbles.
Early Years Non-Fiction: A Guide to Helping Young Researchers Use and Enjoy Information Texts
by Margaret MallettThis lively and informative text examines children's first experience of non-fiction during the pre-school and foundation years. Its careful consideration of different kinds of quality non-fiction, including books, posters, charts and computer software will provide a helpful framework from which early years teachers can work. Annotated lists, notes, and suggestions for further reading make this is an ideal source of inspiration and stimulation placing literacy teaching in a fresh, modern context. This book offers a rich resource of information, with illustrated case studies and many examples of children's responses to non-fiction providing: coverage of pre-school and foundation years for children up to six years of age references to research findings on the place of non-fiction in early years references to the National Literacy Strategy, Early Learning Goals and the National Curriculum for English a substantial glossary of terms relevant to non-fiction reading and writing. The author's zest and expertise helps to give this book an infectious enthusiasm that will permeate the classroom, providing the nursery and primary school teacher, student teacher, or classroom assistant with an invaluable guide and resource tool.
Early Years Non-Fiction: A Guide to Helping Young Researchers Use and Enjoy Information Texts
by Margaret MallettThis lively and informative text examines children's first experience of non-fiction during the pre-school and foundation years. Its careful consideration of different kinds of quality non-fiction, including books, posters, charts and computer software will provide a helpful framework from which early years teachers can work. Annotated lists, notes, and suggestions for further reading make this is an ideal source of inspiration and stimulation placing literacy teaching in a fresh, modern context. This book offers a rich resource of information, with illustrated case studies and many examples of children's responses to non-fiction providing: coverage of pre-school and foundation years for children up to six years of age references to research findings on the place of non-fiction in early years references to the National Literacy Strategy, Early Learning Goals and the National Curriculum for English a substantial glossary of terms relevant to non-fiction reading and writing. The author's zest and expertise helps to give this book an infectious enthusiasm that will permeate the classroom, providing the nursery and primary school teacher, student teacher, or classroom assistant with an invaluable guide and resource tool.
Early Years Play and Learning: Developing Social Skills and Cooperation
by Pat BroadheadThis practical book provides an accessible framework for observing and assessing children's learning through play. It will help early years practitioners to deepen their understanding of the links between intellectual development, the growth of language and the emotional well-being of young children. Drawing on many years of research and working with teachers, Pat Broadhead has developed the Social Play Continuum, a unique observation tool and a means of monitoring and developing a child's social progress through skills such as problem-solving, investigation and imagination discourse. This tool forms an integral part of this innovative text, offering practitioners in a wide range of early years settings a means of focusing their observations of play. In addition, the book: supports the development of 'areas of provision' illustrates progression from 'association' to 'cooperative' play considers links with the Foundation Stage Curriculum, Profiling and the National Curriculum acknowledges the many constraints that have operated on early years practitioners in the past decade. Blending theory and practice this book is aimed at all early years' practitioners concerned with quality provision for their pupils. It is also the ideal text to support student teachers, classroom assistants and undergraduates on early childhood studies degrees.
Early Years Play and Learning: Developing Social Skills and Cooperation
by Pat BroadheadThis practical book provides an accessible framework for observing and assessing children's learning through play. It will help early years practitioners to deepen their understanding of the links between intellectual development, the growth of language and the emotional well-being of young children. Drawing on many years of research and working with teachers, Pat Broadhead has developed the Social Play Continuum, a unique observation tool and a means of monitoring and developing a child's social progress through skills such as problem-solving, investigation and imagination discourse. This tool forms an integral part of this innovative text, offering practitioners in a wide range of early years settings a means of focusing their observations of play. In addition, the book: supports the development of 'areas of provision' illustrates progression from 'association' to 'cooperative' play considers links with the Foundation Stage Curriculum, Profiling and the National Curriculum acknowledges the many constraints that have operated on early years practitioners in the past decade. Blending theory and practice this book is aimed at all early years' practitioners concerned with quality provision for their pupils. It is also the ideal text to support student teachers, classroom assistants and undergraduates on early childhood studies degrees.
The Economics of School Choice (National Bureau of Economic Research Conference Report)
by Caroline Minter Hoxby Caroline M. HoxbyNow that the U.S. Supreme Court has declared school voucher programs constitutional, the many unanswered questions concerning the potential effects of school choice will become especially pressing. Contributors to this volume draw on state-of-the-art economic methods to answer some of these questions, investigating the ways in which school choice affects a wide range of issues. Combining the results of empirical research with analyses of the basic economic forces underlying local education markets, The Economics of School Choice presents evidence concerning the impact of school choice on student achievement, school productivity, teachers, and special education. It also tackles difficult questions such as whether school choice affects where people decide to live and how choice can be integrated into a system of school financing that gives children from different backgrounds equal access to resources. Contributors discuss the latest findings on Florida's school choice program as well as voucher programs and charter schools in several other states. The resulting volume not only reveals the promise of school choice, but examines its pitfalls as well, showing how programs can be designed that exploit the idea's potential but avoid its worst effects. With school choice programs gradually becoming both more possible and more popular, this book stands out as an essential exploration of the effects such programs will have, and a necessary resource for anyone interested in the idea of school choice.
The Economics of School Choice (National Bureau of Economic Research Conference Report)
by Caroline M. Hoxby National Bureau of Economic Research StaffNow that the U.S. Supreme Court has declared school voucher programs constitutional, the many unanswered questions concerning the potential effects of school choice will become especially pressing. Contributors to this volume draw on state-of-the-art economic methods to answer some of these questions, investigating the ways in which school choice affects a wide range of issues. Combining the results of empirical research with analyses of the basic economic forces underlying local education markets, The Economics of School Choice presents evidence concerning the impact of school choice on student achievement, school productivity, teachers, and special education. It also tackles difficult questions such as whether school choice affects where people decide to live and how choice can be integrated into a system of school financing that gives children from different backgrounds equal access to resources. Contributors discuss the latest findings on Florida's school choice program as well as voucher programs and charter schools in several other states. The resulting volume not only reveals the promise of school choice, but examines its pitfalls as well, showing how programs can be designed that exploit the idea's potential but avoid its worst effects. With school choice programs gradually becoming both more possible and more popular, this book stands out as an essential exploration of the effects such programs will have, and a necessary resource for anyone interested in the idea of school choice.
Edu Challenges - Indian Society: இந்தியச் சமுதாயத்தில் எழுந்துள்ள கல்விசார் அறைகூவல்கள்
by Saetiஇந்திய சமுதாயத்தில் எழுந்துள்ள கல்விசார் அறைகூவல்களை, இருபது பாடங்களில் விளக்கி அவற்றை எதிர்கொள்வதற்கான வழிமுறைகளை இருபெரும் ஆசிரியர் கல்வியாளர்கள் இந்நூலில் காட்டுகின்றனர். சென்னைப் பல்கலைக்கழக ஆசிரியர் கல்விப் பாடத்திட்டத்தை ஒட்டி அமைந்ததேனும் பிற பல்கலைக்கழகங்களின் மற்றும் தன்னாட்சிக் கல்வியியல் கல்லூரிகளின் பாடத்திட்டங்கட்கும் ஏற்புடைத்தாகும்.
Educating Children with Facial Disfigurement: Creating Inclusive School Communities
by Jane FrancesChildren and young people who are visibly different face significant social and psychological challenges at school. Educating Children with Facial Disfigurement demystifies a difficult and delicate subject. Teachers and others working in education can use this book to acquire a better knowledge of the issues involved, as well as the confidence to handle sensitive issues and foster inclusive attitudes both in and out of the classroom. There are many causes of facial disfigurement - birthmarks, cleft lip and palate, burns, scars and serious skin conditions - so it is essential that all schools know about the issues arising from visible difference. Jane Francis examines many of these issues and demonstrates in a practical way how to deal with: * staring, curiosity and questions, teasing, name-calling and bullying* medical needs, special educational needs and related issues* creating inclusive school communities* self-perception and self-expression* career ideas, work experience and social skills for life. With illustrative case studies, lesson ideas and references to useful resources, this book will be of particular relevance to teachers with responsibility for special educational needs or pastoral care.
Educating Children with Facial Disfigurement: Creating Inclusive School Communities
by Jane FrancesChildren and young people who are visibly different face significant social and psychological challenges at school. Educating Children with Facial Disfigurement demystifies a difficult and delicate subject. Teachers and others working in education can use this book to acquire a better knowledge of the issues involved, as well as the confidence to handle sensitive issues and foster inclusive attitudes both in and out of the classroom. There are many causes of facial disfigurement - birthmarks, cleft lip and palate, burns, scars and serious skin conditions - so it is essential that all schools know about the issues arising from visible difference. Jane Francis examines many of these issues and demonstrates in a practical way how to deal with: * staring, curiosity and questions, teasing, name-calling and bullying* medical needs, special educational needs and related issues* creating inclusive school communities* self-perception and self-expression* career ideas, work experience and social skills for life. With illustrative case studies, lesson ideas and references to useful resources, this book will be of particular relevance to teachers with responsibility for special educational needs or pastoral care.
Educating Children with Fragile X Syndrome: A Multi-Professional View
by Denise Dew-HughesWhat is Fragile X? The most common inherited cause of learning difficulties, affecting a child's ability to tackle key areas such as literacy and numeracy, and causing behaviour problems and social anxiety. What can teachers do to help children with Fragile X become more effective learners? This definitive text will provide essential support and information for teachers with the expertise of an international field of researchers, whose variety of perspectives contribute to a unique, multi-professional approach. Each chapter of the book suggests practical intervention strategies, based on sound educational principles expressed in clear non-specific terms. A range of important topics are considered, including: * the physical and behavioural characteristics of Fragile X* the effects of Fragile X on learning* medication and therapy* related conditions such as autism and attention deficit disorders. Breaking down the barriers of professional practice, this book establishes the groundwork for successful and valuable multi-professional teamwork. By providing immediate access to a body of empirical knowledge and advice from other disciplines, it will encourage teachers to incorporate this approach into their own practice. Everyone responsible for the education of a child with Fragile X syndrome should read this book.
Educating Children with Fragile X Syndrome: A Multi-Professional View
by Denise Dew-HughesWhat is Fragile X? The most common inherited cause of learning difficulties, affecting a child's ability to tackle key areas such as literacy and numeracy, and causing behaviour problems and social anxiety. What can teachers do to help children with Fragile X become more effective learners? This definitive text will provide essential support and information for teachers with the expertise of an international field of researchers, whose variety of perspectives contribute to a unique, multi-professional approach. Each chapter of the book suggests practical intervention strategies, based on sound educational principles expressed in clear non-specific terms. A range of important topics are considered, including: * the physical and behavioural characteristics of Fragile X* the effects of Fragile X on learning* medication and therapy* related conditions such as autism and attention deficit disorders. Breaking down the barriers of professional practice, this book establishes the groundwork for successful and valuable multi-professional teamwork. By providing immediate access to a body of empirical knowledge and advice from other disciplines, it will encourage teachers to incorporate this approach into their own practice. Everyone responsible for the education of a child with Fragile X syndrome should read this book.
Educating the Consumer-citizen: A History of the Marriage of Schools, Advertising, and Media (Sociocultural, Political, and Historical Studies in Education)
by Joel SpringIn Educating the Consumer-Citizen: A History of the Marriage of Schools, Advertising, and Media, Joel Spring charts the rise of consumerism as the dominant American ideology of the 21st century. He documents and analyzes how, from the early 19th century through the present, the combined endeavors of schools, advertising, and media have led to the creation of a consumerist ideology and ensured its central place in American life and global culture. Spring first defines consumerist ideology and consumer-citizen and explores their 19th-century origins in schools, children's literature, the commercialization of American cities, advertising, newspapers, and the development of department stores. He then traces the rise of consumerist ideology in the 20th century by looking closely at: the impact of the home economics profession on the education of women as consumers and the development of an American cuisine based on packaged and processed foods; the influence of advertising images of sports heroes, cowboys, and the clean-shaven businessman in shaping male identity; the outcomes of the growth of the high school as a mass institution on the development of teenage consumer markets; the consequences of commercial radio and television joining with the schools to educate a consumer-oriented population so that, by the 1950s, consumerist images were tied to the Cold War and presented as the "American way of life" in both media and schools; the effects of the civil rights movement on integrating previously excluded groups into the consumer society; the changes the women's movement demanded in textbooks, school curricula, media, and advertising that led to a new image of women in the consumer market; and the ascent of fast food education. Spring carries the story into the 21st century by examining the evolving marriage of schools, advertising, and media and its ongoing role in educating the consumer-citizen and creating an integrated consumer market. This book will be of wide interest to scholars, professionals, and students across foundations of education, history and sociology of education, educational policy, mass communications, American history, and cultural studies. It is highly appropriate as a text for courses in these areas.
Educating the Consumer-citizen: A History of the Marriage of Schools, Advertising, and Media (Sociocultural, Political, and Historical Studies in Education)
by Joel SpringIn Educating the Consumer-Citizen: A History of the Marriage of Schools, Advertising, and Media, Joel Spring charts the rise of consumerism as the dominant American ideology of the 21st century. He documents and analyzes how, from the early 19th century through the present, the combined endeavors of schools, advertising, and media have led to the creation of a consumerist ideology and ensured its central place in American life and global culture. Spring first defines consumerist ideology and consumer-citizen and explores their 19th-century origins in schools, children's literature, the commercialization of American cities, advertising, newspapers, and the development of department stores. He then traces the rise of consumerist ideology in the 20th century by looking closely at: the impact of the home economics profession on the education of women as consumers and the development of an American cuisine based on packaged and processed foods; the influence of advertising images of sports heroes, cowboys, and the clean-shaven businessman in shaping male identity; the outcomes of the growth of the high school as a mass institution on the development of teenage consumer markets; the consequences of commercial radio and television joining with the schools to educate a consumer-oriented population so that, by the 1950s, consumerist images were tied to the Cold War and presented as the "American way of life" in both media and schools; the effects of the civil rights movement on integrating previously excluded groups into the consumer society; the changes the women's movement demanded in textbooks, school curricula, media, and advertising that led to a new image of women in the consumer market; and the ascent of fast food education. Spring carries the story into the 21st century by examining the evolving marriage of schools, advertising, and media and its ongoing role in educating the consumer-citizen and creating an integrated consumer market. This book will be of wide interest to scholars, professionals, and students across foundations of education, history and sociology of education, educational policy, mass communications, American history, and cultural studies. It is highly appropriate as a text for courses in these areas.
Education: An Introductory Reader (Foundations Of Waldorf Education Ser. #Vol. 12)
by Rudolf SteinerA social basis for education; The spirit of the Waldorf school; Educational methods based on anthroposophy; The child at play; Teaching from a foundation of spiritual insight and education in the light of spiritual science; The adolescent after the fourteenth year; Science, art, religion and morality; The spiritual grounds of education; The role of caring in education; The roots of education and the kingdom of childhood; Address at a parents' evening; Education in the wider social context.
Education and Conflict: Complexity and Chaos
by Lynn DaviesFirst-place winner of the Society for Education Studies' 2005 book prize, Education and Conflict is a critical review of education in an international context. Based on the author's extensive research and experience of education in several areas afflicted by conflict, the book explores the relationship between schooling and social conflict and looks at conflict internal to schools. It posits a direct link between the ethos of a school and the attitudes of future citizens towards 'others'. It also looks at the nature and purpose of peace education and war education, and addresses the role of gender and masculinity.In five lucid, vigorously argued sections, the author brings this thought-provoking and original piece of work to life by:* Setting out the terms of the debate, defining conflict and peace and outlining the relevant aspects of complexity theory for education* Exploring the sources of conflict and their relations to schooling in terms of gender/masculinity, pluralism, nationalism and identity* Focusing on the direct education/war interface* Examining educational responses to conflict* Highlighting conflict resolution within the school itself.This is the first time that so many aspects of conflict and education have been brought together in one sustained argument. With its crucial exposure of the currently culpable role of formal schooling in maintaining conflict, this book will be a powerful and essential read for educational policy makers, managers, teachers and researchers dealing with conflict in their own contexts.
Education and Conflict: Complexity and Chaos
by Lynn DaviesFirst-place winner of the Society for Education Studies' 2005 book prize, Education and Conflict is a critical review of education in an international context. Based on the author's extensive research and experience of education in several areas afflicted by conflict, the book explores the relationship between schooling and social conflict and looks at conflict internal to schools. It posits a direct link between the ethos of a school and the attitudes of future citizens towards 'others'. It also looks at the nature and purpose of peace education and war education, and addresses the role of gender and masculinity.In five lucid, vigorously argued sections, the author brings this thought-provoking and original piece of work to life by:* Setting out the terms of the debate, defining conflict and peace and outlining the relevant aspects of complexity theory for education* Exploring the sources of conflict and their relations to schooling in terms of gender/masculinity, pluralism, nationalism and identity* Focusing on the direct education/war interface* Examining educational responses to conflict* Highlighting conflict resolution within the school itself.This is the first time that so many aspects of conflict and education have been brought together in one sustained argument. With its crucial exposure of the currently culpable role of formal schooling in maintaining conflict, this book will be a powerful and essential read for educational policy makers, managers, teachers and researchers dealing with conflict in their own contexts.
Education For Values: Morals, Ethics And Citizenship In Contemporary Teaching
by Roy Gardner Jo Cairns Denis LawtonValues in education - how they are taught, the ethics of teaching itself, plus their role in the education of educators - is an area of lively and passionate debate. This book provides an essential resource of ideas, issues and current practice for all those with an interest in this area of education. Presenting a range of critical writing, this book deals with issues relating to education in values; approaches to teaching values; teacher education and values; research for education in values; and international comparative studies. Highly regarded when it was first published in hardback in 2000, the book now appears in paperback for the first time with a new introduction, which updates the main ideas and themes of the book.
Education for Values: Morals, Ethics and Citizenship in Contemporary Teaching
by Roy Gardner Jo Cairns Denis LawtonValues in education - how they are taught, the ethics of teaching itself, plus their role in the education of educators - is an area of lively and passionate debate. This book provides an essential resource of ideas, issues and current practice for all those with an interest in this area of education. Presenting a range of critical writing, this book deals with issues relating to education in values; approaches to teaching values; teacher education and values; research for education in values; and international comparative studies. Highly regarded when it was first published in hardback in 2000, the book now appears in paperback for the first time with a new introduction, which updates the main ideas and themes of the book.
Education for Values: Morals, Ethics and Citizenship in Contemporary Teaching
by Jo Cairns Roy Gardner Denis LawtonValues in education - how they are taught, the ethics of teaching itself, plus their role in the education of educators - is an area of lively and passionate debate. This book provides an essential resource of ideas, issues and current practice for all those with an interest in this area of education. Presenting a range of critical writing, this book deals with issues relating to education in values; approaches to teaching values; teacher education and values; research for education in values; and international comparative studies. Highly regarded when it was first published in hardback in 2000, the book now appears in paperback for the first time with a new introduction, which updates the main ideas and themes of the book.
Education Studies: Essential Issues
by Diana M Burton Steve Bartlett`The essays are thematically well organized and lucidly presented. In terms of design, contents and presentation, this is undoubtedly an excellent textbook' - Journal of Educational Planning and Administration `Education Studies: Essential Issues' is a book similar in style to the editor's first volume 'Introduction to Education Studies', both books introducing a variety of broad educational issues while analyzing certain areas in greater depth. Whereas the first book dealt with wider perspectives on education (i.e. research, politics and policy, psychological theory), this book deals with more specific issues with chapters viewing education through early years and compulsory schooling to post-compulsory and higher education, through to lifelong learning. Ultimately this book is quite unique due to the collection of chapters and is a worthy addition to any university bookshelf or as a key text for mandatory education modules' - Scott Buckler, University of Worcester, for Escalate `This book is essential reading for all those concerned about education, especially for those working within the education system' - International Journal of Educational Management `[Education Studies] is an informed and informative introduction. Teachers as well as student teachers will find it stimulating and valuable. Topics it covers well include teacher management and teacher professionalism' - Michael Duffy, Times Educational Supplement This key text provides an overview of current theoretical issues, areas of study and major themes that are covered in education studies programmes. Chapters include: - globalization - differentiation - early childhood - special needs - citizenship and education - lifelong learning - post-compulsory education - higher education - management and professionalism in teaching - education and economic development. Prominent contributors in each field provide students with a solid grounding in the areas they will be studying and point the way to further successful study. Also by same author Introduction to Education Studies Steve Bartlett Diana Burton Nick Peim C 0-7619-7015-0 £60.00 2001 P 0-7619-7016-9 £17.99 2001
Education Studies: Essential Issues (PDF)
by Steve Bartlett Diana M Burton`The essays are thematically well organized and lucidly presented. In terms of design, contents and presentation, this is undoubtedly an excellent textbook' - Journal of Educational Planning and Administration `Education Studies: Essential Issues' is a book similar in style to the editor's first volume 'Introduction to Education Studies', both books introducing a variety of broad educational issues while analyzing certain areas in greater depth. Whereas the first book dealt with wider perspectives on education (i.e. research, politics and policy, psychological theory), this book deals with more specific issues with chapters viewing education through early years and compulsory schooling to post-compulsory and higher education, through to lifelong learning. Ultimately this book is quite unique due to the collection of chapters and is a worthy addition to any university bookshelf or as a key text for mandatory education modules' - Scott Buckler, University of Worcester, for Escalate `This book is essential reading for all those concerned about education, especially for those working within the education system' - International Journal of Educational Management `[Education Studies] is an informed and informative introduction. Teachers as well as student teachers will find it stimulating and valuable. Topics it covers well include teacher management and teacher professionalism' - Michael Duffy, Times Educational Supplement This key text provides an overview of current theoretical issues, areas of study and major themes that are covered in education studies programmes. Chapters include: - globalization - differentiation - early childhood - special needs - citizenship and education - lifelong learning - post-compulsory education - higher education - management and professionalism in teaching - education and economic development. Prominent contributors in each field provide students with a solid grounding in the areas they will be studying and point the way to further successful study. Also by same author Introduction to Education Studies Steve Bartlett Diana Burton Nick Peim C 0-7619-7015-0 £60.00 2001 P 0-7619-7016-9 £17.99 2001
Educational Evaluation, Assessment and Monitoring: A Systematic Approach (Contexts of Learning)
by Cees Glas Jaap Scheerens Sally M. ThomasThis book looks at the foundations of school self-evaluation from a scientific as from a practical perspective. Planning concepts, restructuring of education systems, organizational theory on schools, evaluation methodology and models of school effectiveness and school improvement are discussed as contributing to the overall conceptualization of school self-evaluation. A broad range of approaches is presented and methodological requirements are discussed. School self-evaluation contains controversial issues that reflect tension between the need for objectivity in a context that is permeated by values and potential conflicts of interests. Similar tensions may be seen to exist with respect to the static and "reductionist" aspects of available data collection procedures in a complex and dynamic situation and the appeal for external accountability on the one hand and improvement oriented self-refection on the other. The mission of the book is to clarify these tensions and offer ways to deal with them in practical applications. The school effectiveness knowledge base is offered as a substantive educational frame of references that serves an important function in selecting relevant factors for data collection and the use of the evaluation results.
Educational Evaluation, Assessment and Monitoring: A Systematic Approach (Contexts of Learning)
by Cees Glas Jaap Scheerens Sally M. ThomasThis book looks at the foundations of school self-evaluation from a scientific as from a practical perspective. Planning concepts, restructuring of education systems, organizational theory on schools, evaluation methodology and models of school effectiveness and school improvement are discussed as contributing to the overall conceptualization of school self-evaluation. A broad range of approaches is presented and methodological requirements are discussed. School self-evaluation contains controversial issues that reflect tension between the need for objectivity in a context that is permeated by values and potential conflicts of interests. Similar tensions may be seen to exist with respect to the static and "reductionist" aspects of available data collection procedures in a complex and dynamic situation and the appeal for external accountability on the one hand and improvement oriented self-refection on the other. The mission of the book is to clarify these tensions and offer ways to deal with them in practical applications. The school effectiveness knowledge base is offered as a substantive educational frame of references that serves an important function in selecting relevant factors for data collection and the use of the evaluation results.