Reston, VA – The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) issued the following statement on the report, The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015: Hispanic Students, released today by ACT and Excelencia in Education:

More than half of Hispanic students leave school each year without the skills they need to succeed in the next phase of their lives. That’s less than half who are on track to make their best contribution to the workforce, the nation, and the future we will all share. No one feels this systemic loss of potential more deeply than principals, who look in the faces of these students each day. The new leadership standards released last year (Professional Standards for Educational Leaders 2015) renew principals’ focus on a culture of equity that eliminates student marginalization. By adopting those standards for principal development and evaluation, states can align resources and expectations with the renewed focus on building a culture of inclusion.

Also, as the data indicate and as NASSP has long advocated, there is nothing “extra” about extracurricular activities. Participation in high school activities such as student council and the National Honor Societies engages students more actively in the life of the school, reinforces behavioral sills, and provides students a platform to amplify their voice in constructive ways. The more marginalized a group of students is, the further school leaders must extend their reach to invite their participation. You simply can’t improve student performance without student engagement.

About NASSP

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. The association connects and engages school leaders through advocacy, research, education, and student programs. NASSP advocates on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student and strengthens school leadership practices through the design and delivery of high-quality professional learning experiences. Reflecting its long-standing commitment to student leadership development, NASSP administers the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, and National Association of Student Councils.

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