Kentucky Association of Elementary School Principals

Taking a deeper look at student data
Edutopia
To all his teachers, Jacob* seemed to be doing OK in school. He showed up to class, did what was expected, and never drew attention to himself in a way that prompted concern. He wasn't on anyone's radar. That changed when we took a deeper look, pulling together all of his data to reveal an unseen issue.

Taking a Deeper Look at Student Data Acting as data detectives, school leaders and teachers can work together to better understand student needs.

National Assessment Governing Board to restore previously cut NAEP exams

K-12 Dive

The National Assessment Governing Board is restoring part of its original schedule for the National Assessment of Educational Progress after cuts that were made last year due to a pared down staff and shifting resource allocations.

National Assessment Governing Board to restore previously cut NAEP exams In addition to restoring state-level 12th grade reading and math tests in 2032, it will also make more data available for states in certain subjects and grades.

An immersive approach to getting feedback as a school leader

Edutopia

School administrators are not superheroes, of course, but we are often expected to perform at superhuman levels. To be a great administrator, however, requires good, ongoing, and actionable feedback on your own performance and on the performance of the school in general. We all know that tracking student achievement data is important, and many of us follow demographic trends, suspension data, and budget cycles, and use other metrics to reflect on how things are going.

An Immersive Approach to Getting Feedback as a School Leader Spending time with students, teachers, and parents gives administrators a 360-degree view of what the community thinks, feels, and needs.

Practical and paced: How principals like their PD served up
Education Week
Even as the role has expanded, many principals say their skills haven't kept up with the evolving demands of their jobs.

Practical and Paced: How Principals Like Their PD Served Up Principal PD must reflect the demands and constraints of the job.

Feds issue a slimmed-down data release on US schools

Education Week

U.S. states spent on average $20,000 per student in 2024, according to the latest federal data, one of the top findings in a significantly pared-down annual compendium of education data released by the U.S. Department of Education this week.

Feds Issue a Slimmed-Down Data Release on U.S. Schools The Condition of Education highlights school enrollment, finance, and graduation data.

Recess is crucial for education outcomes: It's time for U.S. policy to catch up

Brookings Institution

Despite these advantages, recess became collateral damage alongside the arts and social studies after "No Child Left Behind" was signed into law in 2002. The well-intentioned law sparked a laser focus on reading and math instruction while diminishing everything else, including recess, based on the theory that more time spent on task would raise scores.

Recess is crucial for education outcomes: It’s time for U.S. policy to catch up | Brookings Short bursts of instruction coupled with more frequent breaks—in the form of recess—yield stronger outcomes. Why do only 10 U.S. states mandate a minimum amount of recess?

How to ace a teaching job interview

Edutopia

In nearly every teaching interview, someone will ask the candidate to describe how they move student learning forward, particularly with regard to making data-based decisions. The word "data" can feel intimidating, especially if the teacher is newer to the profession and doesn't have much experience to back up their examples.

How to Ace a Teaching Job Interview Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, interviews can feel like high-stakes tests, so it’s important to make a plan and then stick to it.

Elevating the classroom: A blueprint for strategic AI integration and student empowerment
Tech & Learning
The transition from traditional instruction to AI-enhanced learning is often met with a mix of excitement and trepidation. However, for Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent of the City Schools of Decatur (CSD), the path forward isn't about racing to adopt the newest tool. It's about moving "slowly to go fast" — building a foundation based on intentionality, policy, and, most importantly, the amplification of student voice.

Elevating the Classroom: A Blueprint for Strategic AI Integration and Student Empowerment Practical advice for district leaders implementing AI in their district.

When it comes to absenteeism, the real work begins in summer

eSchool News

In the U.S., 23% of all students (nearly one-fourth) miss enough school to fall significantly behind. These aren't just abstract statistics to me. These are children in my community whose future depends on whether the adults in their lives showed up to provide support prior to the first bell ringing in the fall.

When it comes to absenteeism, the real work begins in summer The effort required to maintain student connection to school and combat chronic absenteeism is extensive, continuous, and human-centered.

The Pressure on Principals Is Reaching a Breaking Point
NAESP
I had the privilege of attending an event today at the Maryland State House, hosted by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller and organized by The Wallace Foundation, to recognize some of Maryland's outstanding principals from across the state. The event was not only a celebration of exemplary school leadership but also an important opportunity to hear directly from principals about the successes and challenges shaping their schools every day.

The Pressure on Principals Is Reaching a Breaking Point - NAESP A gathering at the Maryland State House underscored both school leaders' extraordinary commitment and the urgent need to invest in them.