Principal March/April 2013: Transitions

Successful transitions often require loving the entire change process. Whether the task at hand is introducing a new behavior support program for students or developing an enhanced professional development experience for teachers, it remains vitally important to focus on the individual stages of an initiative instead of only narrowly focusing on the outcome. The articles in this issue of Principal address the theme of Transitional Stages, reinforcing effective school leadership as a process that requires continuous learning.
Setting a Vision for Change Leadership Sandra C. Cox, Ayesha Farag-Davis, Carol Gibbs, & Jacie Maslyk In education, change is the norm. Four principals share their challenges and triumphs in leading their schools through shifts.
The Path to Lifelong Success Begins With P-3 Kristie Kaurez Student’s early education experiences set the tone for future success as they transition through the learning continuum.
New School, New Pre-K Challenges Raphael Crawford
Empower Students With Brain Knowledge Judy Willis Teachers can help transform student’ capacities to excel with brain-favorable approaches to teaching and learning.
FEATURES
Beat the Clock Veteran educators share their game-changing strategies for time management.
Assessing Progress Toward College and Career Readiness Joe Willhoft By the 2014-2015 school year, states will implement next-generation assessments that align with Common Core State Standards. Here’s what principals need to know.
Baltimore Is the Place to Be This year’s conference comes to Maryland’s “Charm City”
IN EVERY ISSUE
From the Editor Loving the Change Process Kaylen Tucker (Article available to the public.)
Snapshots Physical activity research, budget cuts, NAESP Conference speakers, and Board of Directors election (Article available to the public.)
Parents & Schools Putting a FACE on a School Joe Mazza
Practitioner’s Corner Crack the Books on the First Day Sandra C. Birchfield
Raising the Bar Walkthroughs Accelerate Achievement Linda Fisher
Principal’s Bookshelf
Leadership Standards in Action: The School Principal as Servant Leader by Cade Brumley —Reviewed by Sonya Hemmen
High Poverty, High-Performing Schools: Foundations for Real Student Success by Ovid K. Wong —Reviewed by Hester Chandley Alfred
The Reflective Principal Thanks to Our PLC, I Can RIP Carolyn Carter Miller
Ten to Teen Every School Day Counts Heidi Arthur
Speaking Out Childhood in Lockdown Ari Gerzon-Kessler (Article available to the public.)
It’s the Law Passing the Trash Perry Zirkel
Postscript Reclaiming Accountability Gail Connelly (Article available to the public.)