Dissertation Competitions

Announcing the 2013 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level and  High School Dissertation Award Winners!
Dr. Ken Nicely, winner of the middle level competition, is the director of secondary instruction and technology for Roanoke (VA) County Public Schools. His dissertation, Middle Level Schools in an Era of Standards and Accountability: Adaptations of the Features of the Middle School Concept, explored the development and testing of an innovation configuration map for the middle school concept implemented in the context of standards and accountability.
Dr. Leslie Ann Newman, winner of the high school competition, is an assistant principal at Topsail Middle School in Hampstead, NC. Her dissertation, Pieces of the Puzzle: Improving Turnaround High Schools, examined three low-performing “turnaround” schools in rural North Carolina and investigated the school leaders’ perceptions of what elements contributed to their schools’ reform.

Each year, NASSP holds two competitions for dissertations focused on leadership research at the middle and high school levels. Through these competitions, NASSP seeks to recognize outstanding research that builds on the association's tradition of supporting best middle level and high school leadership practices for school leaders. To view past dissertation winners, visit the dissertation competitions archive.

Dr. Ted Sizer (Photo courtesy of CES website)

NASSP is proud to announce that it has renamed the dissertation award program in memory of Dr. Ted Sizer, who dedicated his life to the education of all students. Dr. Sizer is perhaps best known as the founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES). His work in the development of schools and school leaders makes this dedication particularly appropriate as NASSP recognizes the outstanding research of educators.

Each award winner receives:

• Complimentary one-year NASSP membership
• Cash award of $1,000 (member) or $500 (non-member)
• Commemorative plaque
• Press release to the winner's local community newspaper
• The opportunity to have their research findings published

Candidates must submit a completed application and dissertation abstract. Information about the 2014 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Dissertation Awards will be available July 1, 2013. 

Questions about the competitions should be directed to Carolyn Glascock, glascockc@nassp.org, or (800)-253-7746, ext. 202