NASSP honors three NASSP-member principals in schools that cover any subset of grades 6–12. Criteria for the award are based on the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Administrators and the applications of those skills to further the Building Ranks™ framework for effective school leadership.

Selection Criteria and Rubric

Leading Learning

  • Promotes a shared vision that maximizes use of digital age resources for learning across the curriculum
  • Stays informed on effective use of technology and encourages evaluation of new technologies for their potential to improve student learning
  • Participates in learning communities that stimulate innovation, creativity, and digital age collaboration
  • Establishes a culture of professional learning and innovation that empowers teachers through technology and digital resources
  • Collaborates to establish metrics, collect and analyze data, interpret results, and share findings to improve staff performance and student learning

Building Culture

  • Advocates for and builds partnerships to support the implementation of a technology-infused vision
  • Models effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders using digital age tools
  • Provides learner-centered environments equipped with technology and learning resources to meet the individual, diverse needs of all learners
  • Ensures equitable access to appropriate digital tools to meet the needs of all learners
  • Establishes policies for safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology