The 'What works best: 2020 update' outlines eight quality teaching practices that are known to support school improvement and enhance the learning outcomes of our students. The themes are not an exhaustive list of effective practices, but are a useful framework for teachers and school leaders to consider when deciding how to tackle student improvement.

This audio paper is split into eight chapters that focuses on each theme.

You can read the full publication at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/education-data-and-research/cese/publications/research-reports/what-works-best-2020-update

What works best 2020 update - chapters

When students set growth goals, they are more likely to persevere, to be engaged in their learning and to aspire to further their education. 

CESE's new audio paper provides practical tips to support students in setting and achieving growth goals.

Access the full growth goal setting practical guide and related resources: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/practical-guides-for-educators/growth-goal-setting

Growth goal setting practical guide - audio paper

Students with everyday resilience at school – or ‘academic buoyancy’ – are able to overcome setbacks and challenges that are typical of day-to-day school life.

CESE's audio paper explains the importance of everyday resilience and shows how it can be supported by implementing What works best classroom practices.

Access the practical guide and accompanying resources: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/education-data-and-research/cese/publications/practical-guides-for-educators/everyday-resilience

Everyday resilience audio paper

Reading is a foundational, yet complex cognitive skill upon which other skills are built. Research on the teaching of reading in the early years of school has consistently identified five key components of effective reading programs: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This paper summarises the research regarding why these five elements are important, as well as how they should be taught in the classroom. 
Read by Sally Kohlmayer, CESE.
http://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/  /  Read full report: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/literature-review-effective-reading-instruction-in-the-early-years-of-school

Effective reading instruction in the early years of school - audio paper

In this podcast, Head Teacher, Ben North, and Deputy Principals, Karyn O’Brien and Daniel French, give an insight into how data can make a difference in schools. They discuss why knowing how to use data is important for teachers, the available tools and resources, and give examples of where using data has improved student engagement and achievement in schools.

Using data to inform practice is one of the seven key themes outlined in CESE’s What works best report: 
https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-evidence-based-practices-to-help-improve-nsw-student-performance

Using data to inform teaching practice - podcast

Cognitive load theory is a theory of how the human brain learns and stores knowledge. It was recently described by British educationalist Dylan Wiliam as 'the single most important thing for teachers to know'. Grounded in a robust evidence base, cognitive load theory provides support for explicit models of instruction.
Read by Sally Kohlmayer, CESE.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/cese/ Read full report: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/cese/publications/literature-reviews/cognitive-load-theory

Cognitive load theory: Research that teachers really need to understand - audio paper

This audio paper summarises the evidence on the effectiveness of school-based anti-bullying interventions, and describes the characteristics common to effective interventions. A significant body of research indicates that school-based anti-bullying interventions can be successful in reducing bullying behaviours. Effective anti-bullying interventions are characterised by a whole-school approach, evidence-based educational content, support and professional development for teachers, and rigorous program implementation and evaluation.

Read by Bridget O’Keefe, CESE.
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/ / Read full report: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/anti-bullying-interventions-in-schools-what-works

Anti-bullying interventions in schools - what works?

Emerging evidence suggests that the NSW government-school community is increasingly concerned about the workload of its principals. CESE commissioned Deloitte to conduct an independent research study into principal workload and time use. 

This audio paper looks at some of the key findings:
 • What tasks do principals spend their time on?
 • Is the current principal workload achievable and sustainable?
 •  Has there been a change in either the quantity or nature of principals’ work in recent years? 
 • Could the leadership or decision-making culture of schools change in any way to help principals manage their workload?

Read by Natalie Johnston-Anderson, CESE.
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/ / Read full report: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/audio-principal-workload-and-time-use-study

Principal workload and time use study - audio paper

This audio paper explores how student wellbeing is defined, the relationship between wellbeing, schools and outcomes, and school elements in improving student wellbeing.

Read by Kate Griffiths, CESE.
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/ / Read full report: 
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/student-wellbeing-literature-review

Student wellbeing - audio paper

This audio paper summarises four evidence-based practices to improve student literacy and numeracy outcomes at school. 

1.	Intervene early and maintain the focus
2.	Know what students can do and target teaching accordingly
3.	Have clear and transparent learning goals, and
4.	Focus on teacher professional learning that improves the teaching of literacy and numeracy

This paper also examines the importance of literacy and numeracy skills to individuals and to society.

Read by Sally Kohlmayer, CESE. www.cese.nsw.gov.au/
Read the full paper: bit.ly/2cG86el

How schools can improve literacy and numeracy performance and why it (still) matters - audio paper

What works best in schools to improve student outcomes? This paper will look at the following seven themes from the growing bank of evidence.

  1.  Setting high expectations (9:58)
  2. Using explicit teaching practices (8:02)
  3. Providing effective feedback (6:28)
  4. Using data to inform future practice (7:57)
  5. Establishing and maintaining effective classroom management (5:36)
  6. Supporting student wellbeing (9:50)
  7. Engaging in effective professional collaboration (7:49)

Read by Samuel Cox, CESE. www.cese.nsw.gov.au/

Read the full paper: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-evidence-based-practices-to-help-improve-nsw-student-performance

What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance - Full report

This is the introduction for 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-evidence-based-practices-to-help-improve-nsw-student-performance

Introduction

This is chapter 1 of 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-fi…ent-performance

Chapter 1. High expectations

This is chapter 2 of 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-fi…ent-performance

Chapter 2. Explicit teaching

This is chapter 4 of 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-fi…ent-performance

Chapter 4. Using data to inform practice

This is chapter 5 of 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-fi…ent-performance

Chapter 5. Classroom management

This is chapter 6 of 'What works best: Evidence-based practices to help improve NSW student performance'. 
For the full publication:
www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-fi…ent-performance

Chapter 6. Wellbeing

This three-part audio paper summarises the gifted education research base. 
It synthesises the best-quality available research into the learning characteristics of gifted students. It also provides summaries of the research on effective practices in gifted education for schools and teachers.

Read by Dr Ben North and Dr Carina Dennis, CESE.
Read the full literature review: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/revisiting-gifted-education

Revisiting gifted education: Part 2

Revisiting gifted education: Part 1

This audio paper explores how Blue Haven Public School has achieved rapid and substantial improvements in student academic performance through evidence-based practices. 

Read by Sally Kohlmayer, CESE.
Read the full case study: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/blue-haven-public-school-case-study

Blue Haven Public School case study

The 'What works best: 2020 update' outlines eight quality teaching practices that are known to support school improvement and enhance the learning outcomes of our students. The themes are not an exhaustive list of effective practices, but are a useful framework for teachers and school leaders to consider when deciding how to tackle student improvement.

This audio paper is split into eight chapters that focuses on each theme.

You can read the full publication at: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-2020-update

What works best chapter 6: Classroom management

What works best chapter 5: Assessment

What works best chapter 4: Use of data to inform practice

What works best chapter 3: Effective feedback

What works best chapter 2: Explicit teaching

This is part one of an eight part 'What works best 2020: update' audio paper.

The 'What works best: 2020 update' outlines eight quality teaching practices that are known to support school improvement and enhance the learning outcomes of our students. The themes are not an exhaustive list of effective practices, but are a useful framework for teachers and school leaders to consider when deciding how to tackle student improvement.


You can read the full publication at: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-2020-update

What works best introduction and chapter 1: High expectations

This audio paper is the full publication version of the 'What works best: 2020 update'. 

To listen to bite size chapters of this publication go to the What works best playlist: https://soundcloud.com/nsw-cese/sets/what-works-best-2020-update-chapters

This publication is read by Rachel Smith, Samuel Cox and Vicki Russell.

Read the full publication at: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/what-works-best-2020-update

What works best update 2020 - full publication

Join Dr Ben North, Dr Carina Dennis and Cate Stilwell as they discuss gifted education and CESE's research in this area.

Dr Ben North is an Evidence Implementation Lead in CESE's Capability Building Team.

Dr Carina Dennis is currently the Deputy Principal at James Ruse Agricultural High School.

Cate Stilwell held the position of OC Teacher at Greenacre Public School between 2012 and 2020. 

To read the full transcript of this podcast and to read CESE's Revisiting gifted education literature review, visit the CESE website: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/gifted-education-podcast

This conversation was recorded at Greenacre Public School in 2018.

Gifted education podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Homebush West Public School principal, Estelle Southall and her students about how their school embeds effective feedback in their practices.

She describes how students at Homebush West seek out and value feedback and how teachers support students to work towards staged improvement.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/effective-feedback-with-homebush-west-public-school-what-works-best-podcast

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme--effective-feedback-

Effective feedback with Homebush West Public School -  What works best podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this episode, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Rooty Hill High School principal, Christine Cawsey and her students about how Rooty Hill embeds assessment in school practice.

From developing assessment-centred classrooms, to empowering students to identify and monitor their progress, hear how Rooty Hill is improving student outcomes.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications-filter/assessment-with-rooty-hill-high-school-what-works-best-podcast

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/assessment-

Assessment with Rooty Hill High School - What works best podcast

In this episode Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Trangie Central School principal, Anne Holden and her students about how their school has embedded a culture of high expectations.

Her students give insights into how those high expectations motivate them and provide them with a positive learning environment.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-high-expectations

High expectations with Trangie Central School - What works best podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Cecil Hills High School Principal, Mark Sutton, about how every student is known, valued and cared for in a large, comprehensive high school. Students give insights into some of the ways their school supports student wellbeing.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-wellbeing

Wellbeing with Cecil Hills High School - What works best podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Principal, Paul Sheather, Deputy Principal, Ben Seldon, and students of Northern Beaches Secondary College, Balgowlah Boys Campus. Mark hears first-hand how the school’s focus on explicit teaching has helped it become one of the state’s top performing schools in English.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-explicit-teaching

Explicit teaching with NBSC Balgowlah Boys campus - What works best podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, speaks with Principal, Bob Willetts, and staff at Berry Public School to explore how they use data to provide students with effective feedback and inform their classroom practice.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-use-of-data-to-inform-practice

Use of data to inform practice with Berry Public School - What works best podcast

Welcome to a special CESE eight-part podcast series. In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, discusses what effective classroom management looks like in practice with Strathfield Girls High School principal, Angela Lyris, and students.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-classroom-management

Classroom management with Strathfield Girls High School - What works best podcast

Welcome to the final episode of the special CESE eight-part podcast series.  In this podcast, Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, dives into what teacher collaboration looks like in practice and why it is important at Blue Haven Public School. Mark speaks with substantive principal and principal in residence literacy and numeracy, Paul McDermott, relieving principal, Dale Edwards, and staff at Blue Haven Public School.

To read the transcripts or access the 'What works best' resources go to: www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications/what-works-best

To watch the video of this conversation go to: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/educational-data/what-works-best-2020-update/teachers/theme-collaboration

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