Editorial comment.

Mantei, Jessica ; Kervin, Lisa ; Latham, Gloria 等

Dear Readers:

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to 2011 and the February Edition of Practically Primary-Assessment, more than a test! In this edition we are treated to a range of perspectives on the ways that classroom teachers assess their students' learning. Lisa and I have started the conversation with an examination of the ways that digital storytelling might be used to hear the voices of very young children as they make the move into primary school. In this article, we argue that children are empowered through digital storytelling to be heard in conversations about their learning. Perhaps as you read this, you might think of possibilities for digital storytelling with the children you work with.

Leanne Williams from the Big Little Book Club shares with us the ways that literacy is assessed in the early years setting, whilst in 10 Things we hear from experienced teachers' systemised approaches to tracking and understanding the reading and writing development of young children. Our reviewers have given us their insights into Jeannie Baker's Mirror, Sarah Branford's Violet Mackerel's Brilliant Plot and Anne Bayetto's Read, Record, Respond: Moving from Assessment to Instruction.

We hope you enjoy reading the stories of generous and passionate teachers and the ways they make sense of their students' learning.

To the future ...

Lisa, Gloria and I move now into the final phase of our time as editors of Practically Primary. With three editions remaining, we have decided to take a closer look at the Australian Curriculum: English (ACE). We want to hear from you as your school works with the ACE Draft, or as you begin to explore it yourself. You are welcome to send articles or 10 Things throughout the year; we will theme the editions as follows:

ACE: Literature, June ---- Submissions due: 1 March, 2011

ACE: Literacy, October ---- Submissions due: 10 July, 2011

ACE: Language, February 2012 ---- Submissions due: 12 November, 2011

Do get involved in the Australian Curriculum conversation. Without the voices of teachers we are in danger of losing the ownership of our practices and the significant expertise we hold as educators.

On another note, perhaps you might be interested in editing this journal and helping to give voice to teachers (as we have aimed to do over the past three years). If you would like to discuss the roles within the editorial team further, we're happy to have those conversations too!

Happy reading (and writing!),

Jessica, Lisa and Gloria