School Administrator: ​November 2019
Leading for Literacy




Balanced Literacy
BY LUCY CALKINS
A Teachers College professor on using reading and writing workshops to produce break-the-odds reform.

Scaling Literacy Success Through Reading Science
BY BRIAN G. KINGSLEY
The timing is right to apply research-backed ideas in every classroom, says Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s chief academic officer.

All Hands on Deck for Literacy
BY BETSY M. WEBB
Bangor, Maine, hired literacy coaches, improved teachers’ skills and involved all building staff to raise students’ abilities.

Leading Literacy Across the Disciplines
BY LINDA FRIEDRICH, SHARON SAEZ AND MARY STUMP
A program developed by WestEd builds content-area learning in the upper grades as schools in Maryland and Michigan demonstrate.

In Pursuit of Achievement for English Learners
BY MARY SIEU
A Southern California superintendent recognized for her district’s achievement gains addresses what they’ve done to generate higher literacy among low-income and immigrant students.

 



STARTING POINT
Calling on expertise to detail districtwide literacy gains.

STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY
Fastest-Rising Challenge
What issue has taken on greater importance than any other as viewed by superintendents?

BEST OF THE BLOGS
Short excerpts from four recommended blogs maintained by superintendents around the country.

ETHICAL EDUCATOR
Snooping at a Screen
What to do about a principal who “inadvertently” spots a critical memo about her on the screen inside her supervisor’s vacant office?

SOCIAL MEDIA
3 Responses When Posts Get Mean-Spirited

BY HOWARD C. CARLSON
A superintendent’s suggestions for dealing with the nasty side of social media messaging.

BOARD-SAVVY SUPERINTENDENT
Climate Audits, When Wisely Conducted

BY MICHAEL T. ADAMSON
A useful way to better understand the pulse of the district — assuming the consultant can filter the “noise.”

LEGAL BRIEF
Limits on Political Electioneering
BY JOY S. BASKIN
The diligence required to follow your state’s laws governing campaign advocacy by public officials.

MY VIEW
Helping Our Littlest Ones Soar

BY DONALD R. DRAAYER
A National Superintendent of the Year honoree pushes for greater attention to the preschool years.

MY VIEW
Thriving Through the Troubling 5 Percent

BY JILL M. SILER
The author loves being a superintendent — it’s just dealing with those aspects no one likes to talk much about that frames her perspective.

Reading & Resources

  • Book Reviews
  • Abstract
  • Bits & Pieces


 

  

PRESIDENT’S CORNER
Preparing Kids To Lead the World

BY DEBORAH L. KERR
AASA’s president wonders if schools are preparing the Class of 2030, now 1st graders, well enough for the world beyond.

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE
Paving New Avenues for Career Training

BY DANIEL A. DOMENECH
Taking alternate schooling paths to awaiting skilled jobs.

PEOPLE WATCH
A monthly recap on the comings and goings of AASA members in the leadership ranks.

PROFILE
: Suzanne Lacey
BY JOETTA SACK-MIN
A superintendent operating in the fast lane for improvement in Talladega.

 



READER REPLY

LEADERSHIP LITE