April 2024

This issue shines a light on innovation in public schools, highlighted by the district programs selected as winners in the 2024 Magna Awards program. These noteworthy programs, from opening new career pathways to closing opportunity gaps, demonstrate how school leaders and staff creatively solve challenges facing their schools, students, and communities. Also in this issue, in the new State Association Spotlight, the Maine School Boards Association amplifies the good news of public education throughout the state.

2 boys smile as they sit in the cockpit of an airplane

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Matters: Telling the good stories of public schools

April’s issue of ASBJ is special because it highlights the 2024 Magna Award winners and signals the kickoff of NSBA's annual conference. We cannot wait to connect with you in New Orleans, April 6-8, writes Executive Director and CEO Verjeana Jacobs-McCotter.

 

President’s Perspective: Encouraging our momentum

In her final column as NSBA President, Kristi Swett reflects on her year serving as president and the tireless work by so many to ensure the highest quality of service for our members.

FEATURES

2024 Magna Awards: Grand Prize Winners

The 2024 Magna Awards recognize three Grand Prize winners for innovation and creativity in solving an education challenge.

2024 Magna Awards: Silver Award Winners

The 2024 Magna Awards recognize 15 Silver Award winners for innovation and creativity in solving an education challenge.

Preparing for the Fiscal Cliff

With ESSER funds going away, districts can face challenges with innovative practices.

 

State Member Spotlight: Maine Loves Public Schools

 

The Maine School Boards Association leads the effort to encourage schools to tell the positive stories about their students, teachers, and school.

 

‘We Need the Skills of People Who Think Differently’

 

Temple Grandin discusses ways to help autistic students in schools and why hands-on learning is essential.

 

TRENDS

 

Book Review:  Reimagining the Classroom—Creating New Learning Spaces and Connecting with the World

 

Q&A With Literacy Policy Expert Kymyona Burk

 

URBAN ADVOCATE

Conscious STEM

 

Urban school districts are turning to STEM/STEAM to transform schools and help deliver high-quality teaching and learning.

 

Chairman’s Column: Building a More Equitable and Just Society

 

Schools can create inclusive environments where all students can thrive and reach their full potential, writes CUBE Chair Gill Garrett.

 

SOUNDBOARD

 

Communications: From Buzzword to Key Component

 

Communications directors focus on DEI measures to ensure access to information.

 

Research: Realities of Asian American Students in Public Schools

 

Districts are disaggregating data on Asian American students to understand and meet their diverse needs.

 

Equity: Systems Approach to Language Immersion

 

Alaska school district invests in bilingual education and culturally relevant learning.

 

School Law: Student Gender Identity and the Courts

 

Without a Supreme Court decision, confusion over student bathroom use at schools continues.

 

ONLINE ONLY

 

Rural School Teacher Shortages: Developing a Meaningful New Teacher Preparation Pipeline!

 

When the Team of 10 Only Has 9 Members: Dealing with the Difficult School Board Member