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  • Washington State Learning Standards Review: Language Arts, Math, and Science Now Available

    Angela Allen, Associate Director of Learning Standards, OSPI
    Aug 20, 2024
    Periodically, the state is required to review and revise the state’s learning standards, which define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. Following a year-long process of working with teachers, school and district leaders, and community partners, drafts of revised standards in English language arts, math, and science are now available.
  • Todd Whitaker Shares What The Most Successful Principals Do

    Jenn David-Lang, Founder, The Main Idea
    Aug 19, 2024
    I summarized a classic book for you this month. Todd Whitaker recently updated his popular book from almost 25 years ago, What Great Principals Do Differently. Imagine if you were fortunate enough to be assigned the ideal principal mentor. This is a book that feels like a conversation with that mentor as he shares bite-sized pieces of advice from his time as a principal (and his research). The ideas are spot-on and you can implement them tomorrow. Oh, and he shares anecdotes to help you remember these tips, too. This book puts all those pieces of advice in one place — it compiles the 20 things that Whitaker has found separates the good from the great principals.s in education.
  • New Emergency Discipline Rules From OSPI Now In Effect

    Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Aug 16, 2024
    The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) just filed emergency rules clarifying and updating Chapter 392-400 WAC Student Discipline (see OSPI Rulemaking Activity website). OSPI plans to also conduct permanent rulemaking concerning Student Discipline. The emergency rules are effective immediately and the permanent rules are anticipated to be in effect by the 2025–26 school year. OSPI worked in collaboration with our team at AWSP, practicing principals, assistant principals, and teachers, as well as the Washington Association of School Administrators, the Washington Education Association, and the Washington State School Directors' Association to guide the updates and rule clarifications. These changes reflect important shifts in enhancing the learning environment through leadership and policy integration at the local level.
  • School Celebration Newsletter | August - October 2024

    Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell, Principal, Kelso Virtual Academy (K-12), Kelso School District
    Jul 29, 2024
    Most of us are just beginning our school year this August, and it is my hope you will find this School Celebration Newsletter Edition helpful as you begin to plan. I am making a few changes this school year to the School Celebration Newsletter. I’ll send it out quarterly now. In addition to including my traditional list of some of my favorite days to celebrate I am now including specific strategies you can use with your staff to support their educator well-being. I want to encourage YOU to utilize these research-based strategies also. In my work as an Associate for Educator Wellness with Solution Tree, I have been inspired by the research and writings of Dr. Tina Boogren. Dr. Boogren is at the forefront of educator wellness to support novice to season veterans throughout the school year. I encourage you to look into her research this year.
  • Implementation of I-2081, the Parents’ Bill of Rights

    Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP Jul 22, 2024
    Jul 29, 2024
    In March 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed Initiative 2081 (I-2081), known as the Parents' Bill of Rights, effective June 6, 2024. While some provisions overlap with existing law, there are conflicts with federal law. The initiative expands the definition of "record" to include medical, mental health, and other student-specific documents. OSPI is collecting and reporting questions, comments, and concerns from Washingtonians about the initiative's implementation to the Legislature monthly.
  • The Main Idea — Student and Staff Belonging Fuels Everything

    Jenn David-Lang, Founder, The Main Idea
    Jul 22, 2024
    Having a sense of belonging in school does wonders for students. Research shows that it helps them both learn and grow. Unfortunately, many students feel disconnected and disengaged in school. Luckily, we don’t have to just hope that our students feel a sense of belonging in school. There is a lot we can do as educators to actively build it. This just might be the year to make BELONGING your school’s theme. To help, I’ve summarized a book that shows teachers how to build belonging in their classrooms.
  • Engaging in Civic (and Civil) Conversations

    Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Jul 22, 2024
    Navigating political discussions in our classrooms, hallways, and staff rooms is challenging during any election year, but in our increasingly dangerous political climate, the best thing school leaders can do this summer is to be prepared. What are some resources and strategies to help you lead through this difficult time?
  • AWSP Advocates for Core Funding in Education

    Roz Thompson, Governmental Relations & Advocacy Director, AWSP
    Jul 19, 2024
    As educators, we know that reliable, sufficient funding is the backbone of a thriving educational environment. Adequate core funding ensures that schools can maintain essential programs, support student learning, and provide the necessary resources for both teachers and students to succeed. WASA has recently released a press statement emphasizing the need for enhanced core funding for our schools. They outline the significant challenges schools face due to funding shortfalls and advocate for a sustainable funding model that meets the diverse needs of all students.
  • Dr. Ismael Vivanco is our 2024 AWSP President’s Award Winner

    David Morrill, Communications & Technology Director, AWSP
    Jul 09, 2024
    Every year, the AWSP Board President selects someone to receive the AWSP President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (AWSP’s mission). Dave Riddle, the 2023-24 AWSP Board President and principal at LaVenture Middle School in the Mount Vernon School District, selected Dr. Ismael Vivanco this year. He is the outgoing Mount Vernon School District superintendent and currently serves as the superintendent at Northwest Educational Service District 189..
  • Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell is Our 2024 Annalee Braley Membership Award Winner

    David Morrill, Communications & Technology Director, AWSP
    Jul 08, 2024
    Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell is the third winner of the Annalee Braley AWSP Membership Award. Cindy is a ray of light who gives back a tremendous amount to AWSP and school leaders across the state and country. Cindy is an award-winning leader, Solution Tree consultant, and frequent conference presenter. Her devotion to helping her fellow leaders, our association, and her dedication to students make her an easy choice to represent Annalee's legacy.

Like to Write?

We're always looking for guest contributions. If you have a passion to write and things to share, email David about a guest post or a role as a recurring guest blogger. 


For More Information 

David Morrill | Communications & Technology Director | (800) 562-6100

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