Principal November/December 2013: Safe and Positive School Culture

Students today need every possible advantage to navigate the increased expectations of their ever-complicated worlds. A safe school with a positive culture gives them that advantage, helping them focus on achieving their fullest potential. Because culture permeates every aspect of a school—from teaching and learning conditions to collaboration to attendance to security—a princi­pal’s ability to maintain a positive environment can improve learning outcomes. This month’s issue asks how principals can create positive school cultures, and how to ensure that school is a physically and emotionally safe place to learn. Inside you’ll find effective strategies and helpful web resources for improving school climate and safety.
Now you can also view Principal as a digital magazine! Click here to read.
Coordinating Positive School Culture Bobbi DePorter and Mark Reardon Three steps to balance vision and practice.
Supporting Mental Health Benjamin S. Fernandez and Kelly M. Vaillancourt Use your school psychologist to provide a multitiered system of support. (Article available to the public.)
Safe Digital Citizenship Sandra A. Trach Online safety requires ongoing professional learning for staff and continuing education for parents.
Smart Security Reviews School leaders and security experts weigh in on safety and positive school culture. School Safety Check Up—Michael Dorn
FEATURES
School Leadership Matters In an interview with NAESP’s Gail Connelly, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan shares his vision for pre-K-8 education. (Article available to the public.)
A Culturally Proficient Lens Reyes Quezada, Delores Lindsey, and Randall Lindsey Five essential elements to achieve culturally proficiency and to ensure success for English-learning students.
IN EVERY ISSUE
From the Editor A Home Court Advantage Kaylen Tucker (Article available to the public.)
Snapshots Member spotlight, research report, and top books (Article available to the public.)
Parents and Schools Inclusive Tips for LGBT Families Juliet E. Hart
Practitioner’s Corner Early Learning Walkthroughs Corinne Eisenhart and Elisabeth Grinder-McLean
Raising the Bar Book Study on Race Bridges Gaps Dan Shelton and Mae Gaskins
Principal’s Bookshelf
The Trust Factor: Strategies for School Leaders By Julie Peterson Combs, Stacey Edmonson, and Sandra Harris —Reviewed by Regina R. Stewman
Strategic Co-Teaching in Your School: Using the Co-Design Model By Richael Barger-Anderson, Robert S. Isherwood, and Joseph Merhaut —Reviewed by Ayesha Farag-Davis
The Reflective Principal Advocates for the Voiceless Patrick Delmore
Ten to Teen The Benefits of Advisory Amanda Wall
Speaking Out Three Layers of Education Leadership Joseph Murphy (Article available to the public.)
It’s the Law Drug and Alcohol Testing for Staff Perry A. Zirkel
Postscript School Culture: An Accurate View Gail Connelly (Article available to the public.)