2018 National Principals Conference: Advocacy Sessions

The Power of Student Voice Matters—Do You Listen? at National Principals Conference

It’s all about listening to what students have to say and empowering them to advocate for change in their schools, their local communities, and beyond. Expert school and student leaders shared strategies for engaging students and ways to use NASSP’s Building Ranks and Raising Student Voice & Participation (RSVP)—a program of National Student Council.

Education And The Path to One Nation, Indivisible at National Principals Conference

Fifty years ago, in response to civil unrest that raged across the county, the Kerner Commission that was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a seminal report on racial division and disparities in the United States. In the report, the commission concluded that, “Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.” Today, many of the same issues plague the country, and concerns over civil rights, racial division, and racial disparities are more pressing than ever. This session was co-hosted by the NASSP Policy & Advocacy Center and the Learning Policy Institute, and brought together researchers, policymakers, and educators to discuss education as the foundation for change and what policy levers and practices are needed to eradicate racial inequities that have persisted in historically marginalized communities and can improve educational opportunities for all students.

The Role of Principals in Leading Equity Through Deeper Learning at National Principals Conference

K-12 education today is charged with developing new kinds of skills and competencies for the success of all students in college, career, and civic life. This interactive session offered a robust exploration of research and resources for school leaders interested in supporting equitable deeper learning strategies in their schools.

State of American Education Session at National Principals Conference

The fourth annual State of American Education consisted of a crossfire-style debate between two thought leaders in education policy who discussed emerging issues in education reform at the national level. John Merrow, a well-known former education correspondent for “PBS News Hour,” moderated the discussion and addressed hot topics such as changing student demographics, educational equity, teacher quality, private school vouchers, testing and accountability, and college and career readiness.