School of Thought Blog
Advancing Student Equity and Access in Math
Proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and math is key to global competitiveness as a nation and a higher standard of living as an individual. Disparities in access to high-quality math instruction and rigorous, research-based curriculum have contributed to a significant opportunity gap in the U.S.
(more…)How NHS Gives All Students a Bigger Voice
The National Honor Society chapter at Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, MD, feels like one big family. The same is true of our whole school, and especially the other student organizations and the science and technology program that I’m enrolled in. The teachers make everyone feel welcome, no matter your background, and the other students are like that, too.
(more…)Resources for Expanding College-Readiness Opportunities
School leaders know exposure to advanced coursework increases graduation and college-going rates. Students who take AP® courses and exams have better college outcomes than their peers, even if they don’t earn a score that qualifies them for college credit or advanced placement. Research shows that expanding access to more students creates more opportunities.
(more…)Building an NHS Chapter From the Ground Up
When I joined the faculty at the Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD, in November 2021, I was asked by the new principal to be the NHS adviser because of my previous experience as an NJHS adviser. As I began to gather information, I learned that the chapter wasn’t active and that all the members had graduated the previous year.
(more…)Spreading Joy at School This Holiday Season
School leaders are finding extra ways to celebrate their staff members this holiday season. We have gathered some of the best ideas from Twitter to share with you.
(more…)This Holiday Season Make Time for You
As I’ve traveled across the country meeting with school leaders these last few months, I’ve asked this question: “How are you doing?”
(more…)Meet NASSP President Aaron Huff
New NASSP President Aaron Huff is in his fifth year as principal of Benjamin Bosse High School in Evansville, IN. The variety of education roles Huff has held—for example, working in elementary, middle, and high schools with a wide range of demographics—has given him a well-rounded perspective on school leadership. We asked him about his excitement at being able to dive in and advocate for principals at the national level.
(more…)What I’ve Learned as a Mother, School Leader, and Colleague
Last week, Ashley Bowling, the assistant principal of Florence Middle School in Florence, AL, and the 2022 Alabama Assistant Principal of the Year, was the keynote speaker at the Inaugural Teacher Candidate Pinning Ceremony at the University of North Alabama. We highlight her remarks below in the hopes that they will inspire other school leaders to share their wisdom so that other educators can learn and grow.
(more…)How NHS Promotes a Culture of Achievement
I’m always pushing my students at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, MD, to be well-rounded scholars. When they start applying to colleges, I tell them that admissions officers don’t just want to see a student with good grades. They want to see your activities and how you are part of the school community. And one of the best ways to show that is by being involved in the National Honor Society (NHS).
(more…)Your Guide to a Comprehensive Internal Master Scheduling Audit
Your school’s master schedule is an essential tool for aligning student learning with performance goals, driving instruction, and providing a roadmap to success. A well-crafted master schedule reflects your school’s vision and promotes rigorous, equitable opportunities for all learners. Your master schedule impacts the success of your school in every way— from culture and morale to discipline and academic success.
(more…)Get Fired Up for IGNITE 2023!
The premier conference for secondary school leaders, IGNITE will be held July 12–15, in Denver, CO. It’s NASSP’s first in-person national school leader conference since 2019. Here are five reasons you’ll want to attend.
(more…)Appreciating the Vital Role of Substitute Teachers
Substitute teachers are the unsung heroes of the school community. As we celebrate Substitute Educators Day this Friday, November 18, it’s worth highlighting how important subs are to a successful school. I retired last June after five years as principal of Forest High School in Ocala, FL, and immediately took a new position as the principal of a new charter high school that will open in Ocala this fall. In my previous job, and in this one helping to plan the new school, I have tried to make sure that our substitutes were valued and appreciated—and that they would want to come and work at our school again.
(more…)How Serving as a Principal and Colonel Made Me a Better Leader
In honor of Veterans Day, we asked NASSP’s Director of Leading and Learning Robyn Hamasaki to share how serving as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and a PK-8 principal simultaneously made her a better leader. Thank you, Robyn, for your service. Happy Veterans Day to all!
(more…)NHS Chapter in Ukraine Continues Meeting Despite War
As Russian troops prepared to invade Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv International School moved to online instruction as a precaution. When the invasion took place two weeks later, a large majority of the 800 students—who come from all over the world—enrolled in other schools outside Ukraine, and staff members who were not Ukrainian remained outside the country in various locations. At the start of the school year, 100 students, as well as some staff, remained, most of them still living in Kyiv. Rachel Geary is the secondary director of instruction and an IB program coordinator at the school. She’s also the National Honor Society (NHS) adviser, and she has worked to keep the program going despite the immense challenges. She shares what that has been like this school year.
(more…)Clearing the Most Significant Barrier to College Degree Completion
Inadequate math preparation is the single biggest obstacle to college completion. The Mathematical Association of America has described Americans’ struggle with math as “the most significant barrier” to completing both STEM and other degrees. Students who take precalculus in high school are much more likely to clear that hurdle—increasing their likelihood of completing a bachelor’s degree by 155%, a higher boost in degree completion than students taking algebra 2, trigonometry, or calculus.
(more…)How School Celebrations Can Boost Staff Morale
When NASSP 2021 Digital Principal of the Year Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell presented on creative ways to hold staff celebrations at a state conference in 2019, she was shocked by the level of interest she received from fellow school leaders.
(more…)Lessons Learned by Visiting Our Nation’s Schools
One of the signature initiatives that Gregg Wieczorek, NASSP’s Immediate Past President, undertook during his term was to visit schools in all 50 states. He called it “one of the best experiences of my professional career.” Highlights from those visits are now available in a new report titled “Leading Forward: Ideas from the Listening and Learning Tour.”
(more…)A Natural Resources Program Thrives at an Oregon School
It’s not exactly common to see students walking down the halls of a school carrying axes and chainsaws. But not every school has a forestry program like we do here at Waldport Middle and High School in Waldport, OR.
(more…)What Schools Should Know About the Digital SAT Suite of Assessments
Earlier this year, College Board announced that the SAT® Suite of Assessments is going digital. The digital tests, which include the SAT®, PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and PSAT™ 8/9, will be easier to take, easier to give, more secure, and more relevant. We’ve been talking extensively to school and district leaders as we make this transition to make sure they’re getting the information and resources they need to feel confident in the move to digital.
(more…)President Biden Shares Stage with Delaware Early College Students
On Oct. 21, President Biden visited Delaware State University in Dover to speak about his student loan forgiveness initiative. Along with current Delaware State students, Biden shared the stage with a group of students from the Early College School at Delaware State University. In the audience were other students and the school’s three administrators, including head of school Dr. Evelyn Edney, who is a member of the NASSP Board of Directors. She writes about what the visit was like for her and her students.
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