Principal March/April 2014: Poverty

Almost every principal in the nation is thinking about how to level the playing field for low-income students. While schools are but one link in a chain meant to anchor the nation’s students who live in poverty, principals are uniquely positioned to coordinate supports for students. This issue is designed to offer advice to principals who work every day to support students in poverty. Inside you’ll also find articles on a range of issues important to school leaders, and a collection of web resources to guide your work.

Perspectives on Poverty Ericka Guynes, Marc Jackson, Sam Mercer, and Tory Cox A principal, superintendent, parent, and social worker weigh in on mitigating the impact of poverty on the nation’s schools and children. (Article available to the public.)
Spreading the Word on Early Education Helen Blank and Karen Schulman Principals’ influence on teaching and advocacy can help children in poverty overcome the early learning gap. (Article available to the public.)
Open Doors for Students in Poverty Regina Stewman Follow these guiding tactics to retain high-quality teachers and prevent burnout.
Flipping Reading Joe Corcoran A Title I school extends reading lessons beyond the classroom walls for struggling students.
FEATURES
Promising Practices George Theoharis and Joanne O’Toole English-language learners at two schools succeed when educators accept responsibility and plan for success.
Understanding Academic Growth Models Raymond Yeagley Increased attention on academic growth has highlighted the correlation to teacher performance. (Article available to the public.)
IN EVERY ISSUE
From the Editor Keys to Success for Low-Income Students Kaylen Tucker (Article available to the public.)
Snapshots Research on kindergarten, best practices for new principals, digital safety (Article available to the public.)
Practitioner’s Corner Teachers’ Lounge: From Toxic to Tonic Jennifer Schwanke
Raising the Bar 10 RTI Tasks for Principals Barbara Laster et al.
Principal’s Bookshelf The School Improvement Planning Handbook: Getting Focused for Turnaround and Transition By Daniel L. Duke, Marsha Carr, and William Sterrett Reviewed by Christopher Wooleyhand
Parents and Schools Families: Essential for Excellence Reneé Jackson
The Reflective Principal Purposeful Motivation Lisa Kline
Ten to Teen From School-time to Lifetime Readers Jim Trelease
Speaking Out Changing the Poverty to Prison Paradigm Melissa Nixon (Article available to the public.)
It’s the Law Verbal Abuse of Students Revisited Perry Zirkel
Postscript Poverty Matters Gail Connelly (Article available to the public.)