CLEAR PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

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Clear pathways can help students move from secondary schools to higher education and careers more seamlessly, but an EdTrust report, “A Vision for Equitable Pathways: Enhancing Support and Innovation in College and Career Counseling” shows disparities in access to them. “While some well-resourced school districts offer supports for students, including high-quality advising and college and career exploration opportunities,” the report says, “many students—particularly students in underfunded school districts, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color—lack access to the same level of support and, as a result, are unaware of all their options.” The report outlines five elements of an ideal pathways system:

  1. Clear choices: Students have a clear understanding of their options.
  2. Start smart: Students and families understand available paths before entering high school.
  3. Access for all: Information is accessible and provided in multiple formats and languages.
  4. Guided beginnings: Students explore options through regular, early high school touchpoints.
  5. Final prep: Staff provide dedicated and targeted support for 11th and 12th graders.

Read the report at bit.ly/4euYkIB.

IMAGE COURTESY OF NASSP

APPLY TO THE NASSP AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Elevate your leadership and use your voice to help other school and student leaders this coming spring by applying online to the NASSP Ambassador Program, February 6−21, 2025. As an ambassador, you can play a pivotal role in shaping the programs and projects designed to impact individuals just like you. Ambassador groups vary each year but typically meet online each month to work on projects that require their expertise and perspective. Participants receive a $500 stipend and a digital certificate for their time and effort. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact. Only active members of NASSP, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Elementary Honor Society, or National Association of Student Councils are eligible for the program so check your membership or join today. To apply, visit nassp.org/ambassadors.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH TRENDS

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Data from the “Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013–2023” published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a mix of positive and negative trends in the health behaviors and experiences of U.S. high school students. On the positive side, from 2021 to 2023, there were signs that adolescent mental health is improving, especially with declines in sexual risk behavior and substance abuse. On the negative side, the data show worsening trends in areas such as experiences of violence, persistent sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Those trends were especially concerning among female and LGBTQ+ students. The report notes that a number of school-based strategies can improve the sexual, behavioral, and mental health of students. It highlights three:

  1. Promoting mental health in schools.
  2. Ensuring high-quality health education, access to needed services, and safe and supportive learning environments.
  3. Increasing connectedness for young people.

Read the report at bit.ly/4dbsQG8.

BUILDING CONNECTION, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY

“Senior Sunrise” at South County High School. PHOTO COURTESY OF S. KAMBAR KHOSHABA

S. Kambar Khoshaba, the principal of South County High School in Lorton, VA, shares what his 28 years in education have taught him about how to build connection, culture, and community in school. “By focusing on student engagement, staff appreciation, organization, and instructional leadership, we as school leaders can significantly impact the success and well-being of our schools,” he notes. In a post on NASSP’s School of Thought Blog, Khoshaba writes about three strategies:

  • Prioritizing student engagement
  • Engaging and appreciating your staff
  • Being communication centered and detail oriented

Read more at bit.ly/4d8OQSi.