Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, especially for students with disabilities. A recent Associated Press article highlights how AI tools are helping students like 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison, who struggled with dyslexia, succeed academically.

Since covering pension/retirement/health insurance issues on behalf of WASA and AWSP, there are a few important points we have learned. This is just a brief summary of selected retirement related topics. One needs to check with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) for definitive answers to questions about their own situation. Policies change so this document is just a broad overview highlighting some issues.  The importance of advance planning cannot be overstated. These are not issues to put off until the last months of either one’s impending retirement or approaching Medicare eligible age. Start by requesting an official benefit estimate from DRS 3-12 months prior to your retirement date.

Here is a list of January recognitions and holidays, along with suggestions on how to observe and celebrate them within your school community.

OSPI has posted proposed rule changes to WAC 392-157-125, requiring a minimum 20-minute seated lunchtime in K-12 public schools. This was done in response to a state audit from 2019. We know that while some of you meet this requirement already, for many of you, these suggested rules would create significant challenges for buildings and districts as an unfunded mandate. To ensure building and district perspectives are heard, we strongly encourage you to submit feedback to OSPI by the January 14 deadline.

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting youth to serve on a statewide Youth Advisory Group for the HearMeWA Program. HearMeWA is a free statewide program for youth up to age 25 who are dealing with a range of challenges, from stress and anxiety to threats and abuse.

2024 has been a great year thanks to all of you! We hope that you are able to truly rest and enjoy the holidays during the next couple of weeks. Please note that the AWSP office will be closed Friday, Dec. 20 at noon through Friday, Jan. 3.

By creating a GPT tailored to your institution's unique needs, you unlock capabilities that go far beyond those of a regular AI tool. Here’s how you can set it up and what tasks it can accomplish to streamline your workload, foster efficiency, and amplify your school’s impact.

The holidays are upon us! Many of us are gathering with loved ones, and the children have time off from school for holiday breaks. Let’s all work to keep our loved ones safe this season.

Recognizing special days and events is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to build inclusivity, foster understanding, and highlight the values we want to promote within our school communities. Here’s a detailed list of December recognitions and holidays, along with ways to observe and celebrate them within schools

The AI Innovation Summit 2025 is a unique opportunity to collaborate, explore strategies, and gain actionable insights into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in schools.

“Who was your favorite principal?” It’s a question I’ve been asking people for decades. Why? Because our school leaders are quite often overlooked and underappreciated. This question, although simple in its form, provides incredibly powerful and complex stories about the important role school leaders play in the lives of students, staff, and school communities.

Throughout his entire K-12 experience, the conversation was never about whether or not he was going to college, but where? It was rarely about his passions, interests, or yet-to-be-unlocked hidden talents, but more about laying the groundwork for college admissions. Will his transcript be good enough? Will his SAT scores be high enough? Will the rest of his high school resume outshine the competition? Will his “post-high school” pursuit satisfy social pressures and expectations?

As we approach Veterans Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on the meaning of service and the incredible parallels between the leadership experiences of veterans and school administrators. Having spent 23 years in the military, I understand that leadership is not just about rank, position, or power. It’s about service, sacrifice, and the steadfast commitment to a greater mission. Veterans serve our country with dedication, courage, and resilience, and in many ways, school administrators serve in much the same way—leading with heart and dedication in the battlefields of education.

The "Healthy Hiring" approach moves away from the ineffective "fast food hiring" practices commonly used in education. Instead, it emphasizes non-cognitive interview measures, such as high-fidelity tasks and scenario-based assessments, to better evaluate candidates' real-world skills and fit within the school context. This method aims to enhance the quality of hires, boost school performance, and foster a healthier educational environment.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Association of Washington School Leaders (AWSL) and Association of Washington School Principals Culture Kickoff Award! This prestigious recognition celebrates schools that have gone above and beyond to cultivate a positive school culture. These schools have set the tone for a successful academic year through engaging assemblies, strong themes, and vibrant fall kickoffs.

AWSP is excited to announce our participation in ArtsEd Washington's latest project, "Stay Inside the Lines, Washington." This unique coloring book celebrates the incredible talent of Washington-based artists while also raising funds to bring more art resources to our schools.

Whether you are recertifying your license, searching for clock hours, or wanting to build specific skills in your role, PGPs are just the tool to help you meet your professional development goals!

October is a month dedicated to raising awareness, advocating for inclusion, and celebrating the unique contributions of individuals with disabilities. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on various conditions, both visible and invisible, while fostering a culture of acceptance and support. At the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), we are proud to recognize and honor the diverse experiences within our communities.

It's National Principals Month, and longtime members know what that means. Join us on social media or follow along in your email for our weekly prompts. Each week, we pick some of our favorites to highlight. This week, our prompt was, "Imagine you are writing a book about your leadership journey. What would be the title of the first chapter?"

AWSP is a proud supporter of the new film, THE RIDE AHEAD, from father-son co-directors Samuel Habib & Dan Habib (creator of Including Samuel, Who Cares About Kelsey?, and Intelligent Lives). THE RIDE AHEAD is the feature-length version of their Emmy Award-winning New York Times Op-Doc, My Disability Roadmap. Because AWSP was an early supporter of the film, we can make free copies of the Education Kit available