Fifteen authors from thirteen different disciplines discuss their varied approaches to teaching.

It Takes an Ecosystem explores the idea and potential of the Allied Youth Fields—an aspirational term that suggests increased connection across the multiple systems in which adults engage with young people. Recent research and initiatives make a strong case for what developmentalists have argued for decades: A young person’s learning and development is shaped in positive and negative ways by the interactions they have with all the adults in their life. Now is the time to reshape our systems to support this scientific understanding. The chapters in this book provide ideas, tools, examples, and visions for a more connected, more equitable world for young people and the adults in their lives. Endorsements for It Takes an Ecosystem "It Takes an Ecosystem offers a powerful and timely engagement of the possibilities and challenges facing the Out-of-School Time sector…this book charts a path forward for scholars, practitioners, community members to imagine OST anew---in ways that are socially just and affirming, centered on the optimal development of youth and the power of community." — Bianca Baldridge University of Wisconsin Madison "The book’s emphasis on an ecosystem approach, anchored in commitments to equity and racial justice, combines evidence-based analyses with a future-oriented call to action for the allied youth fields. This book will be a must-read for those committed to radically re-thinking how we bring sectors together to support thriving for children and youth." Ben Kirshner University of Colorado

Current Issues in School Leadership examines controversies about, and affecting, school practices. Focusing on two essential questions--what is important to today's school leaders? and what is interfering with schooling processes?--it includes chapters by a broad range of authors, with expertise on their specific topic. The text is organized in three sections: *Social and Political Issues; *Curriculum and Learning Issues; and *Organization and Management Issues. The goal of this text--designed for school leadership, educational administration, and foundations of education courses--is to challenge readers to think carefully and critically about each of the issues presented, leading to positive action and leadership.

This study used an iterative Delphi survey process of about 600 faculty, employers, and policymakers to identify writing, speech and listening, and critical thinking skills that college graduates should achieve to become effective employees and citizens (National Education Goal 6). Participants reached a consensus about the importance in critical thinking of the ability to detect: indirect persuasion including the use of leading questions that are biased towards eliciting a preferred response, use of misleading language, use of slanted definitions or comparisons, and instances where irrelevant topics or considerations are brought into an argument to divert attention from the original issue. With regard to effective writing respondents thought that graduates should be able to use active or passive voice where appropriate, use correct grammar, use specific language conventions of their academic discipline, and use language that their audience understands. With regard to speech communication skills respondents reached agreement about the importance of information exchange, conversation management, group communication, and using and understanding spoken English and non-verbal signs. Extensive tables detail the Delphi survey results. (Contains 168 references.) (JB)

A discourse on women’s leadership within science education has, until now, been largely invisible in book form. This, therefore, is the first book to address women’s leadership within science education. The book embraces relational ways of knowing as a foundation for leadership and takes courageous steps by exposing our innermost tensions, dilemmas, and feelings about leadership, making them available to others. The power/promise of feminine approaches to transform traditional leadership cultures is also addressed. The authors believe that anyone can lead, regardless of position, title, years of experience or age. They also believe that each of us has a responsibility to provide some leadership and direction for the shared endeavours of which we are part. The purpose of the book is to inspire and guide educators and academics in K-16 science education, as well as individuals in other professions, as their leadership skills develop. The leadership activities provided offer guidance and/or concrete ways to delve into issues of leadership.