Two publications have just been launched by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE) and the Directorate for Educational Services (DES).

The first publication, entitled School Improvement through School Networks – the Malta Experience, edited by Frank Fabri and Christopher Bezzina looks into local research and practice about school networks and networking that is spearheading the educational reform process.

The book provides policy makers, educational leaders in our directorates and schools, including teachers, with varied ways of looking at the way the reform process is being implemented and effecting the lives of educators at different levels and in different institutions.

The authors present a strong argument that meaningful growth can come from a concerted effort to focus on change from a dual perspective – inside out and outside in, creating a new heterarchical structure. The book presents us with a number of emerging patterns of learning and working that should fill us with hope. The book is intended to stimulate the thinking of every educator who aspires to influence decision making and to provide direction to their school, College or institution.

The other publication entitled Educational Leadership: nurturing meaning in a context of change, edited by Christopher Bezzina, is a result of the first International conference on educational leadership held in Malta in November 2008.

This volume presents a selection of 48 research papers from 13 countries and is divided into six areas within the discipline of educational leadership. Leadership presents us with various challenges – at the personal, collective and organisation levels – all needing us to reflect and engage.

The two books were presented during a launch held at St Clare College, Pembroke Primary School.