Teachers are the backbone of our education system. They nurture our children’s growth, inspire them to learn, and equip them with the skills to succeed in school and in life. That is why Teacher Appreciation Week, this year, from May 6-10, 2024, is the perfect opportunity for us school leaders to honor teachers and the invaluable work they do. It’s more than just an occasion to say show our appreciation; it’s a chance to reflect deeply on what teaching means in today’s world and how we can better support teachers in their profession. Recognizing Teachers’ Vital Impact Teaching can be—unfortuna ..read more

From left to right: NAESP Executive Director L. Earl Franks, Ed.D., CAE; Education Secretary Miguel Cardona; and National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe at the closing session of the conference. A champion for schools, educators, and students, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona knows the impact school leaders make on their school communities. At the 2024 National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, Cardona brought this message to more than 400 K-12 principals and assistant principals during the event’s closing session: The U.S. Department of Education—with Ca ..read more

The implementation of technology in schools has brought tremendous benefits but also new challenges that require thoughtful policymaking. We know how critical it is that school leaders are part of the conversation as policy makers consider the broader societal, ethical, and long-term impacts of education technology to guide their decision-making. During the 2024 National School Leaders Advocacy Conference, NAESP and NASSP hosted Ramesh Nagarajan, chief legal advisor, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), for a Q&A on where edtech policies stand and the implications for the future when i ..read more

Bill Smith, a mental health expert and founder and CEO of Inseparable, opened the 2024 National School Leaders Advocacy Conference with a session on “Federal K–12 School Mental Health Policy.” Mental health issues in schools aren’t new to school leaders, Smith said, but knowing how to support schools with resources is new to policy makers. The good news, Inseparable’s research shows that the public overwhelmingly supports resources to help address the mental health crisis—because everyone has been affected by it. Priorities to Guide Change The organization has identified three priorities to gu ..read more

Starting out as a new principal, I was beyond excited to dive into my new role. I mapped out my 100-day plan, moved into the community I would be serving, and started scribbling out ways to connect with students and staff. Before my official duties began at my new school, I attended an event called Nebraska School Administrator Days. Talk about intimidating. Sure, I knew a few current administrators, but I found myself suddenly surrounded by hundreds of people I didn’t know. Not only that, but they also all looked rather confident in what they were doing. I don’t remember much about that first ..read more

March brings with it a sense of renewal, a hint of spring, and a very special observance that lies close to the heart of our educational community—Middle-Level Education Month. This month, we turn the spotlight on a group of educators who play a crucial role in guiding learners through some of their most formative years: middle school principals and assistant principals. Middle school is a pivotal time in students’ lives. It’s a phase of transformation, challenge, and immense growth. The leaders in these schools are tasked not just with administrative duties but also with shaping the future on ..read more

Chronic absenteeism has become a critical post-pandemic problem. An Associated Press analysis found that almost a quarter of students, or roughly 6.5 million, missed more than 10 percent of all school days during the 2021-22 school year. Minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged students were especially likely to miss school. In states like Connecticut, the chronic absenteeism rate more than doubled, from 10 percent pre-COVID to 24 percent by the end of that 2021-22 school year. How Absences Affect Academic Achievement The impact of missing so much school is profound. President Joe Biden’s ..read more

As you’ve probably seen in recent news headlines, House Republican leaders, Senate Democrats, and the White House have agreed on a top-line funding number for the FY24 budget, which essentially maintains overall funding at the FY23 level. In other words, there was no overall funding cut this year. That’s the big takeaway and good news. But finalizing the deal will take several weeks while important small-bore funding decisions are made. Right now, congressional appropriators are setting the specific funding levels for all federal agencies and programs, including, of course all of the K-12 prog ..read more

2024 is a pivotal year in education policy. Schools are grappling with the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including chronic absenteeism, learning loss, and educator shortages. In September, they will face the expiration of $129 billion in pandemic aid. In addition, other education issues are sure to be raised in this presidential election year. Below, we’ve outlined key policy issues NAESP is keeping an eye on this year.  Expiring ARP Funding  States and districts received $129 billion in emergency COVID-19 funding via the American Rescue Plan. Schools and districts have ..read more

Politics, sports, entertainment—you name it—is an ever-shifting game of who’s up and who’s down, what’s in and what’s out. As we usher in 2024, NAESP’s advocacy team gives you this cheeky tip sheet of emerging trends and passing fads to help you navigate the new year. The post What’s in Store for ’24: Ins & Outs appeared first on NAESP ..read more