School Administrator: February 2017
Unlocking Literacy
Unlocking Literacy Districtwide
BY MERRI ROSENBERG
A look at four districts whose instructional strategies are doubling down on the fundamentals for skill building.
Strengthening Early Literacy
BY DEVIN VODICKA
Educators in Vista, Calif., mobilized their attention and resources on kindergarten after receiving a stark academic report about emerging readers.
Layered Leadership for Literacy
BY JENNIFER A. ALLEN
How the schools in Waterville, Maine, are aligning the coaching support they provide teachers to raise achievement levels.
Educating English Learners for Democracy
BY MICHAEL MATSUDA
Anaheim, Calif.’s superintendent sees his culturally diverse secondary schools tackling a long-term challenge through civic engagement.
Busting Myths About English Language Learners
BY JAN EDWARDS DORMER
A teacher-training professor describes three widespread misunderstandings that shortchange students who speak minimal or no English.
How the Other Half Teaches
BY DEBORAH M. TELFER, AIMEE HOWLEY AND CRAIG B. HOWLEY
When it comes to classroom paraprofessionals, many schools miss the opportunity to have them contribute to students’ language learning.
STARTING POINT
Publicizing the avocations and hobbies of busy school executives — in this case, a published poet.
STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Plans After Retirement
Superintendents’ intentions once the job ends.
BEST OF THE BLOGS
Reflective excerpts from four superintendents’ thoughtful blogs.
ETHICAL EDUCATOR
A Surprise in Storage
A few AP history students stumble across sexually graphic themes on a personal jump drive bearing educational resources lent by their teacher for a group project. Their parents complain. How does administration respond?
SOCIAL MEDIA
FERPA’s Collision With Social Media
BY JOEL D. BUCKMAN
Defining students’ education records broadly presents compliance challenges in the smartphone era.
LEGAL BRIEF
Preventing Board Abuse of Open Meetings Acts
BY SARA G. BOUCEK
Ever face a choice between following the law and looking the other way? Sunshine laws are ripe for such dilemmas.
FOCUS: PERSONNEL EVALUATION
What We Learned About Supporting Staff Growth
BY SHELLY LANDGRAF
Colorado’s Boulder Valley district partnered with the teachers’ association to devise a better evaluation system.
MY VIEW
What’s the Matter With Kids (and Their Parents) Today?
BY PAULA S. FASS
Schooling’s role in increasing children’s long-term dependence on their parents.
OUR VIEW
Even Voluntary Summer Programs Can Be Beneficial
BY JENNIFER S. McCOMBS AND CATHERINE H. AUGUSTINE
A Wallace Foundation study of school districts identified key practices for raising learning in the off-season.
Reading & Resources
- Book Reviews
- Why I Wrote This Book...
- Abstract
- Bits & Pieces
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Involvement vs. Engagement
BY ALTON L. FRAILEY
Since introducing his Communities 4 Schools initiative, the author has heard narratives about engagement involving parents and educators worth sharing.
EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Native Tongue as a Building Block
BY DANIEL A. DOMENECH
In the personalized learning movement, it makes sense to allow students to learn in their proficient language.
INSIDE AASA
Chris Daw and Jennifer Rooney on Meetings and Conferences
The association’s staff that stages big gatherings and smaller sessions for members.
SCHOOL SOLUTIONS
Lending More College Options to Students
BY JOHN T. FLEMING
Historically black universities provide an affordable option and a diverse student body.
PEOPLE WATCH
A monthly checkup on promotions and retirements among superintendents. The Sidelight shines on Todd Gazda, a game triathlete competitor.
PROFILE: Donna L. Wright
A Personal Lesson in Patience
BY PAUL RIEDE
A latecomer to the education
field who exudes patience.
READER REPLY
LEADERSHIP LITE