New books recently published by members of UNL’s campus community include “A Century of Parasitology: Discoveries, Ideas and Lessons Learned by Scientists who Published in the Journal of Parasitology, 1914-2014,” co-edited by John Janovy Jr., and “Assessing the Common Core: What’s Gone Wrong and How to Get Back on Track,” co-written by Kathleen Wilson.

A Century of Parasitology: Discoveries, Ideas and Lessons Learned by Scientists who Published in the Journal of Parasitology, 1914-2014, co-edited by John Janovy Jr., emeritus professor of biological sciences at UNL and Gerald Esch, professor of biology at Wake Forest University (Wiley-Blackwell, 376 pages, March 2016) — The book, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Journal of Parasitology, is a collection of seminal papers published by the journal, updated with essays produced by some of the world’s leading parasitologists. For example, Nobel Prize winner William C. Campbell contributed an essay on the chemotherapy of helminth infections that expands upon a 1926 article, “Some Practical Principles of Anhelmintic Medication.” Janovy said the prominent parasitologists who contributed essays included at least three who earned doctorates from UNL — Janine N. Caira, now at the University of Connecticut; Matthew G. Bolek, now at Oklahoma State University; and Richard E. Clopton of Peru State College. Proceeds from the book will be used for the journal’s editorial fund, to help cover the publication costs of new scientific papers.

Assessing the Common Core: What’s Gone Wrong and How to Get Back on Track, co-written by Kathleen M. Wilson, emeritus associate professor of education and human sciences at UNL and Robert C. Calfee, emeritus professor of education at Stanford (Guildford Press, 192 pages) — From distinguished educators, this book imagines what our schools could look like if an authentic vision of the Common Core State Standards were put in place, and thoughtfully critiques how and why implementation has faltered. The authors outline a curriculum framework that focuses on student-based inquiry and the use of formative assessment to monitor and guide student learning. They provide workable, innovative alternatives to the packaged instructional programs and summative tests that have come to be associated with the English language arts standards. Vignettes of diverse schools and districts highlight a range of successful approaches to making the Common Core State Standards work.

This regular UNL Today column features information about the recent publications of UNL faculty, staff and students. For more information about each publication, click the link within the related book. The campus community can submit recent publication news to tfedderson@unl.edu or call 402-472-8515.