This article is a commentary on Australia's involvement in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests. It provides a rationale for Australia's participation in the PISA programme, the influences of PISA involvement on education policies and practices, and considerations and implications for school leaders and education…

Crises create heroes. But just as superheroes are always fighting crime, educators spend too much time putting out fires, and frequently do not get to the root of the problem that might have prevented the situation in the first place. The authors advocate for educational organization around four goals: (1) clear expectations for students; (2) the…

As a veteran educator, the author has lots of stories to tell, but most of those stories center around the various players in her professional life--students, parents, board members, and colleagues. In this article, the author shares a story about her and the impact of a recent research and writing experience that powerfully affected the way she…

Over the decades, those in education have waged a noble struggle in an attempt to achieve the respect and dignity worthy of their profession. Their social value, their worthiness, and the critical nature of their success, it can be argued, are every bit as significant as that of practicing medicine. Research consistently demonstrates the positive…