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Supporting 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…
Learn MoreNew Emergency Discipline Rules From OSPI Now In Effect
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…
Learn MoreSchool Celebration Newsletter | August – October 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…
Learn MoreImplementation of I-2081, the Parents’ Bill of Rights
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…
Learn MoreThe Main Idea — Student and Staff Belonging Fuels Everything
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…
Learn MoreEngaging in Civic (and Civil) Conversations
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?
Learn MoreAWSP Advocates for Core Funding in Education
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…
Learn MoreDr. Ismael Vivanco is our 2024 AWSP President’s Award Winner
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…
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