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Be a Thermostat, Not a Thermometer: Leading with Intention
School administrators must strive to be thermostats, not thermometers. While thermometers simply reflect the temperature of the environment, thermostats actively set the tone and influence the atmosphere around us. Here at AWSP, I have the privilege of supporting principals across the state in creating positive, inclusive, and empowering climates within their schools. As leaders, it’s…
Learn MoreSurvey: Water Safety in Schools
OSLC Developments Inc. (ODI) and the Oregon Social Learning Center (OSLC) are conducting a survey of school administrators across the state of Washington to help in a bigger project to understand drowning rates, drowning disparities, and drowning prevention efforts. We’re hoping to get your input as we work with the state governor’s office to develop…
Learn MoreSupporting Parents with Firearm Safety
School leaders are uniquely positioned to help educate parents about firearms, particularly safe storage. Securing firearms is a sensible way to prevent curious kids from handling firearms, preventing accidents and suicides. While most gun owners responsibly lock up their guns, increasing awareness through you, your parent organization, and your school district will help build stronger,…
Learn MoreThe Only Constant is Change: A Look Ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session
As we move into fall, we are closer to the important general election in November that will elect a new President and Governor and numerous new legislators and other statewide elected officials. Three initiatives are on the ballot as well. The makeup of legislative committees and leadership positions will change somewhat as a result of…
Learn MoreRep. Paul Harris Wins AWSP’s 2024 Torch of Leadership Award
Each year, AWSP’s Advocacy Advisory Council has the opportunity to select a state-level public servant who has demonstrated support of principals and the principalship in the education of all students. We’re thrilled to announce that our 2024 Torch of Leadership Award is presented to Representative Paul Harris (R-Vancouver), who currently serves on the Health Care…
Learn MoreCommunicating Effectively About the Science of Reading
In addition to all the work of running a school building, school administrators must also take on the role of instructional leader, supporting and coaching teachers, and communicating with families about their children’s learning in meaningful, accessible ways. As school and district leaders across the country begin navigating the challenging yet necessary shift to science…
Learn MoreIdeas and Tips to Start the Year Off Right With a Great Back-to-School Newsletter
You know what time it is…pumpkin spice latte season. Even more importantly, it’s back-to-school time all around the state. Some of you have been back at it for a week or more, and some are starting soon. Either way, writing an effective back-to-school email newsletter is crucial for principals to communicate important information to teachers,…
Learn MoreSupporting Students with Childhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS), sometimes called verbal dyspraxia, is a neurological motor processing speech disorder in which the brain has trouble getting the tongue, lips, and jaw to move correctly for speaking. Not everyone is aware of this speech disorder. As parents come into the school year with a child who has a new…
Learn MoreWashington State Learning Standards Review: Language Arts, Math, and Science Now Available
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…
Learn MoreTodd Whitaker Shares What The Most Successful Principals Do
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…
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