Kentucky Association of Elementary School Principals

09/20/2026

Advancing early literacy with a 1st-grade safety net

Brookings Institution

Many elementary school readers are struggling. This presents fiscally constrained districts with hard questions about when, how, and with whom to intervene. However, we believe the research makes a clear case for where to start: 1st grade.https://www.brookings.edu/articles/advancing-early-literacy-with-a-1st-grade-safety-net/

09/20/2026

What is 'linguistic' phonics and why are some schools adopting it?

Education Week

The "science of reading" movement has ended, at least for now, one great literacy debate: Policymakers, education leaders, and experts almost universally agree that explicit, systematic phonics is an essential component of early literacy instruction.

A new question is emerging in the "science of reading": Is one type of phonics instruction better than another?

09/20/2026

https://www.edutopia.org/article/supporting-teacher-growth-trusting-relationships

An assistant principal considers two things when coaching a teacher—the visible elements of the lesson and the invisible element of the teacher’s mindset.

09/20/2026

Schools are building AI rules before they know the destination

eSchool News

America's schools are moving quickly to respond to the rise of artificial intelligence, with parents, teachers, administrators, and lawmakers working to wrap their arms around what this means for student education.

When it comes to AI in schools, what do students actually need to learn in order to be successful for the rest of their lives?

09/20/2026

The leadership skill no one taught you

CEOWORLD Magazine

Many leaders excel at their jobs yet receive little training in leading people. As AI reshapes work, human-centered capabilities are emerging as a key differentiator. The article explores why organizations may need to rethink how they develop leaders.

As many leaders will recognise, most were never actually taught how to lead people. They were promoted because they were brilliant at the job, being the best salesperson, the sharpest analyst, the most technically gifted person in the room. And then one day, they were handed a team and expected to i...

09/20/2026

4 things new principals can do to strengthen school culture

eSchool News

Even when our intentions are good, quick changes can leave teachers and staff feeling undervalued. They can send the message that the new leader has already decided what is broken before taking the time to understand why things are done the way they are.

A new principal's job is not to change the school--it is to spend the first year understanding the school culture.

09/20/2026

Leadership Moves That Strengthen School Climate
The Impact Kentucky Working Conditions Survey offers valuable insight into your school’s culture. KDE is gathering examples of how principals are using this data to support staff and strengthen their schools.

Our team is developing a statewide toolkit for principals and we would appreciate learning how you focus on strengthening school culture and supporting educator well-being in your building.

You can share through a brief form or a short call – whatever works best.

Thank you for your leadership and support of positive working conditions.

09/20/2026

Register Now for 2026-2027 P3 Certified Evaluation Training
The Principal Partnership Project (P3) team is offering multiple in-person and virtual opportunities to complete the 12-hour Initial Certified Evaluation training and the 6-hour Certified Evaluation Update training. Choose the date and location that works best for you.

All Certified Evaluation trainings offered by the P3 Team are free of charge, and EILA will be awarded for completing all training requirements.

09/20/2026

ESSER funds are gone: Here's how K-12 IT leaders replace them

EdTech Magazine

ESSER was one of the largest federal K–12 funding initiatives in decades, empowering schools to purchase the technology needed to support learning during and after the pandemic. But ESSER funds officially ran out for all districts in early 2026. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2026/08/esser-funds-are-gone-heres-how-k-12-it-leaders-replace-them-perfcon

09/20/2026

The KAESP Fall Newsletter has been posted on the website. Check it out at

Leading and Serving Kentucky School Leaders