In the first edition of Researching education: 5 further readings for 2025, we share 5 further readings that focus on post-pandemic learning – including a report on the impact of small-group tutoring, a case study into migrant parents’ experiences during emergency home-schooling, and more.

The world’s largest study on shared book reading has highlighted the importance of having books in the home. The Australian research found bringing books into the home has a significant impact on a child’s positive shared book reading habits, emerging language and literacy skills, as well as family engagement.

Teacher librarians and school libraries play important roles in developing student reading habits, information literacy capabilities, and promoting cross-curriculum learning. In this edition of Researching education: 5 further readings, we are looking at the topic of school libraries

For students who may not have access to appropriate books at home, libraries can play a key role in providing this access. New analysis of Australian data from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) sheds light on year 4 students’ access to school libraries, revealing 7% attend schools where they’re not allowed to borrow books to take home.

‘I called it student driven acquisition, but it was essentially: let’s go to the bookstore.’ Teacher Librarian Catherine Barnes seized a unique opportunity, taking her Endeavour College students to the bookstore to select some titles for the newly renovated school library. We caught up with her to unpack the impromptu learning experience.

The design of 4 school buildings in Australia have been recognised in the shortlist of the World Architecture Festival. In this article, we’re going to take you through the designs, other highlights from the shortlist in the K-12 sector, and the winning entry.

School Assembly is the podcast that explores what it takes to build a new school from the ground up. We’re following principal Jo Camozzato and her team at Bemin Secondary College, in the Melbourne suburb of Truganina, which opens its doors at the start of the 2024 school year. In this episode, we’re talking about planning.

‘It is essential [teachers] have the training and resources needed to ensure that all students can access quality education.’ In this expert Q&A, we speak with ACER Research Fellow Kashfee Ahmed about a new resource kit on disability-inclusive education.

The new school year is set to begin here in Australia so educators around the country will be starting to think about all the significant events and themes to tie into their lesson planning this year. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the key dates to add into your calendar to ensure you don’t miss them.

In this episode of our podcast series School Assembly, we speak with Principal Ray Boyd and Associate Principal Rachael Lehr about how they have connected with their new school community, in the lead up to the opening of Dayton Primary School in Western Australia next year.