Dissertation Competitions

CALL FOR DISSERTATION COMPETITION ABSTRACTS 2012

NASSP is holding two competitions for dissertations focused on leadership research at the middle and high school levels.  Through the 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.

The competitions are open to doctoral students who have completed and successfully defended their dissertation between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.  Each winner will receive a complimentary one-year NASSP membership, a cash award of $1,000 (member) or $500 (non-member), a commemorative plaque, and a press release to the winner’s local community newspaper.  The winning research findings may also be published through a variety of mediums.

All candidate applications must be submitted by midnight on January 9, 2012.

To submit an application, please visit the competition application page.

Please direct all questions regarding the competitions to Carolyn Glascock, glascockc@nassp.org, (800) 253-7746 ext. 202.

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.

The 2012 Dr. Ted Sizer Dissertation Awards are open to doctoral students who have completed and successfully defended their dissertation between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.

Each award winner will receive:

• 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.

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

Congratulations to the 2011 NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level and  High School Dissertation Award Winners!
Dr. Johnny Briseño, Jr., principal at Harby Jr. High School in Alvin, TX, has won the Middle Level Dissertation Award. His research, The Effective Practices and Beliefs of School Principals in High Achieving Hispanic Majority Mid-Level Schools [pdf], analyzes what successful principals do to reinforce student achievement and further understanding of how involved and engaged principal leadership transcends social and economic barriers.
Dr. Gaurav Passi, principal of Long Beach High School in Lido, NY, has won the High School Dissertation Award. His research, The Dimensions of Professional Learning Communities in High Schools and Student Achievement on the New York State English Language Arts Regents Exam [pdf], investigates and affirms that principals must provide resources to support the work of teachers and action must be accompanied by measurable goals in student achievement.