Cover of the Oct 2024 ASBJ magazine shows a person's hands typing on a keyboard.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Matters: AI On Our Minds

Several articles in this issue address artificial intelligence (AI), among the key challenges facing school leaders this new school year, writes NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs. It's hoped that these articles help start or advance constructive conversations about AI.

 

President’s Perspective: Are you as brave as a 6-year-old?

Are school board members open to learning like a first grader? Are they willing to ask why and search for answers? To listen and learn? NSBA President Donald R. Hubler says that a 6-year-old’s openness to learning is needed to find answers to and understand ongoing educational disparities.

 

FEATURES

Striking a Balance
Districts are taking a measured approach to introducing and using artificial intelligence tools in their classrooms.

Shaping the AI Curve

Six steps to help your board get started or continue to create policies for the use of artificial intelligence tools in your district.

 

Overhauling Superintendent Evaluation
Kansas education leadership groups developed an evaluation tool with a focus on collaboration and growth.

Skills for an Effective School Board Member

Board members must learn the ins and outs of boardsmanship.

 

TRENDS

 

Book Review: A Veteran Superintendent on Transformational Change

 

Newsmaker: Mobile Phone Bans in Classrooms — a Third Approach

 

Q&A With 2024 National Teacher of the Year Missy Testerman

 

URBAN ADVOCATE

CUBE Annual Conference Preview 

Take a sneak peek at highlights of the Council of Urban Boards of Education conference to be held in October in Las Vegas.

 

Chairman’s Column: A Strong Start for the New School Year

Concentrate on the pillars that support a smooth and successful start to the new yeareducation transformation and innovation, student achievement, safety and security, and transportation—writes CUBE Chair Gill Garrett.

 

SOUNDBOARD

 

Communications: The Endless Uses of AI

Communications professionals value artificial intelligence tools, but districts have been slow to adopt AI usage policies.

 

Research: How to Engage Your Community

Make intentional community connections a school board priority.

 

Equity: New Technologies Empower Urban Youth

Artificial intelligence and other digital tools can play a role in promoting equity in education.

 

School Law: Student Protests Pose New Challenges

School districts face constitutional questions.

 

ONLINE ONLY

 

Role Reversal

Public advocacy for education, guidance on district leadership, and community engagement are among the qualities that superintendents cite as particularly valuable among school board members, writes Brian Sheehan.