The science of reading is a large body of research consisting of multidisciplinary studies from the fields of education, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology. This body of research explains exactly how the human brain learns to read and explains the best practices for quality reading instruction in the classroom. Join Lexia on June 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. for an exclusive event focused on the science of reading

You’d think that school administrators would be quite healthy. You walk countless steps in hallways, classrooms, and common areas throughout the day and often into the evening. You’re surrounded by curriculum that touts self-discipline. You observe teaching practices that help make tasks manageable. You understand how important movement is for our bodies and brains. Despite having tools and information for being healthy, many of us fall short of our ideal health markers, such as low cholesterol, ideal blood pressure and resting heart rate, ideal nutrition, and consistent movement.

OLYMPIA –– Raenette ("Rae") Sasaki Wood is the fourth winner of AWSP's Annalee Braley Membership Award. Her devotion to mentoring fellow leaders, supporting Leaders of Color, and advocating for the needs of principals and assistant principals demonstrates why she so perfectly honors and carries forward Annalee’s legacy.

Educators and school leaders recognize that academic achievement is only one part of a student's success story. Thriving in school and life is deeply tied to students' emotional well-being, relationships, and sense of belonging. That's why now, more than ever, sending students to AWSL Summer Programs isn't just a leadership opportunity; it's an investment in their overall growth and the health of your school community.

Whether you’re looking for an in-person session or need a virtual option, several choices are available through 2025 and into the 2025–26 certification year. Please note: the Office of Native Education is the only entity authorized to facilitate this training.

Recognizing special days and awareness months is an opportunity to build community, highlight values, and celebrate the individuals and events that shape our school environments. These observances support a culture of belonging, appreciation, and learning. By honoring diverse contributions and causes, schools model empathy, curiosity, and respect—qualities that help shape students into thoughtful, engaged citizens.

Spring is a season of change in schools and in Olympia, with students, staff, and legislation all in transition. As we wait for final decisions on the state budget and key bills, leaders are also looking ahead to the 2026 session with curiosity and hope—especially around AI and student-centered reforms. While funding gaps remain a concern, especially in special education and MSOC, there's momentum building for long-term improvements.

During National Assistant Principal Week, we asked school leaders across Washington, “What makes your AP amazing?” and "What do you love about being an AP?" Your heartfelt responses reminded us once again why strong leadership is vital for thriving schools and students.

Join us for the AWSP Spring Forum on May 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:30 P.M., where you'll connect with fellow school leaders and dive into breakout sessions designed to uplift, inform, and energize your leadership practice.

Spring is a season of change in schools and in Olympia, with students, staff, and legislation all in transition. As we wait for final decisions on the state budget and key bills, leaders are also looking ahead to the 2026 session with curiosity and hope—especially around AI and student-centered reforms. While funding gaps remain a concern, especially in special education and MSOC, there's momentum building for long-term improvements.

At AWSP, we’re always looking for new, fun, and meaningful ways to explore the world of artificial intelligence—and share those discoveries with you!

As the session moves toward Sine Die, now is the time for both houses to coordinate and negotiate their differing budgets and bills that have made it past both houses. Note, both House and Senate budgets will be released 3/24 so the status of much of what is covered below may be clarified by inclusion or exclusion within any budget.

Since 2017, with the help of a grant from the King County Academy of Family Physicians, they have reached nearly 10,000 students in grades 9-12 at more than two dozen Washington State high schools. The presentation has been vetted by Lisa Love, Director of Health Curricula for Seattle Public Schools. The Superintendents of the Tacoma and Edmonds school districts recommend it to their health instructors and it has been enthusiastically received by students, teachers, and administrators. Administrators and teachers at Edmonds are working to make education on firearm injury prevention a standard part of the health curriculum.

The goal for safe communities, and protecting our loved ones, is common ground, a goal around which all of us can rally. It is a goal and worry that can keep us up at night. The violence that can harm our community members is tragic to experience and unpleasant to think about. Understanding and implementing solutions to that violence is also upsetting -- but necessary.

Ever feel like your day as a principal is a whirlwind of interruptions, meetings, and endless emails? You’re not alone. Dr. Nick Davies, our 2024 Washington State Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, offers a straightforward strategy to help school leaders take control of their schedules and align their time with their school’s priorities.

On May 15, schools across the state are invited to participate in Water Safety Day — a special event dedicated to helping K-5 students learn life-saving water safety knowledge. The event includes a free, standards-based, 30-minute lesson plan complete with student engagement activities

Assistant principals are student-centered beacons of hope in our school system. APs are unencumbered by specific certification requirements and truly serve as one of the greatest multi-tools in our schools. They can do anything and are often the ones leading systems changes like MTSS, PBIS, attendance initiatives, and community engagement. That flexibility of talent, skill, passion for kids, and scope of responsibilities is what makes our APs have the greatest impact on numbers; in this case, the numbers of students who have a trusted adult and are seen, heard, and valued in school.

As the legislative session nears its end, retirement-related bills remain in flux. Key issues include the use of the LEOFF 1 surplus, cost-of-living adjustments for PERS/TRS Plan 1 members, and potential short- and long-term impacts of various pension reform bills. Several bills affecting public employees’ benefits and post-retirement employment rules are still active. Final outcomes hinge on budget negotiations and floor actions in the closing days of the session.

A single outdoor learning trip to the Mount Rainier Institute transformed not only Kyrsten Bowden’s confidence and independence as a student with a rare mobility disorder, but also her peers’ understanding of inclusion. Supported by thoughtful planning, adaptive tools, and visible representation, Kyrsten pushed past her limits and redefined what’s possible in outdoor education. This experience shows the profound impact of centering equity and access, proving that every student belongs in nature.

Do you know a school leader who goes above and beyond every day to ensure strong schools, strong students, and a culture of hope? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve! The nomination window for AWSP’s 2026 Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year is officially OPEN.