Full-service community schools do more than educate; they partner with the community to provide the supports and services that students and families need through one comprehensive, coordinated effort. By offering services on-site, full-service schools can help eliminate some barriers that families face such as problems with transportation, lack of…

In the current era of mathematics standards, whether they are Common Core State Standards or other state standards, effective vertical mathematics teams offer an opportunity for teachers to grow professionally through shared experiences, for leadership to grow among the faculty, and for the school to change its perspective on the teaching and…

One can't make the trip to New Orleans for NAESP's Annual Convention and Exposition without checking out a few of the historic and cultural attractions that are within a short walk, or streetcar or cab ride, from the Morial Convention Center and the convention hotels. This article presents a taste of what one can explore between convention events.

People have known principals who are intellectual giants on issues of instruction and who have a great love of children but who stumble in leadership roles because they either do not or cannot communicate what they know. Good communication skills are among the most important tools a leader carries in his or her toolbox. Not only does good…

Most educators, especially elementary principals, know from experience and common sense that attending school regularly during the early elementary years is essential. Young children need enough time in the classroom to gain the basic social and academic skills that will equip them to succeed long term in school. What many educators might not…

In August 2005, the world witnessed one of the most destructive natural disasters on America's mainland. Hurricane Katrina, followed a month later by Hurricane Rita, brought more than broken levees, flooded streets and homes, and destroyed businesses. It caused changes in the dynamics and the demographic and cultural makeup of the region. One of…

Like most school districts across the country, the Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) leaves a large environmental footprint in the community. That's why about eight years ago, the VBCPS began to look at how the district could transition toward a more sustainable model. The objective was simple: Be part of the solution, not part of the…

"What Matters Most: Teaching for America's Future" by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future tells that teacher quality is the single most important factor in determining student achievement, so principals are wise to put their efforts into improving teaching in their schools. However, principals do not need to take on…

During the author's first decade in school administration, coupled with his work with the National Association of Elementary School Principals' National Principal Mentoring Certification Program, he has collected a few nuggets worth sharing to rookie principals. In this article, he discusses what he calls his 7UP (Seven Unyielding Principles): (1)…

Although research shows that young children's life experiences impact their kindergarten readiness, there are differences between parents and educators as to what those experiences should be. Schools can help by developing a community-wide understanding of the most important skills and by providing information and education to help families and…

If current trends continue, a disproportionate number of America's children will grow up poor, undereducated, and untrained. Skills for Growing, a multifaceted K-5 program designed to develop character, citizenship, and positive social skills, offers a collaborative approach to socialization of children in isolation. (MLH)

The controversy over the decentralization of schools focuses essentially on the issue of community control. This article explores the current status of decentralization and evaluates its effectiveness as a vehicle for community influence and educational reform. (Author/WD)

Part of Clark Elementary School was built in 1911 as a rural school housing grades 1-12 that also served as the community center. In l984, when I first taught there, it was a school with 225 students where the staff knew not only the students, but their immediate families, extended families, and even long-deceased relatives who had attended Clark…

A principal who survived only two years in a new school candidly explains the reason for his firing: he neglected to take into account how different his new school, school system, and community were from those he had left. (JM)

Describes an elementary school creative writing program involving lay-readers, which leads to increased creativity, more enthusiasm for writing, and better writing skills. (DCS)