Public education issues that matter in California matter throughout the nation
ACSA Executive Director Wesley Smith Director of Communications Naj Alikhan Editor London Roberts Design / Layout Stephen D . Long Production Coordinator Emily Senecal
Board of Directors
President Ralph Gómez Porras President-Elect Lisa Gonzales Vice President Holly Edds Vice President for Legislative Action Linda Kaminski Past President Tom Armelino
Directors Eric Andrew , Mauricio Arellano , Randy Bangs , Angel Barrett , Ana L . Boyenga , Jonathon Brunson , Daryl Camp , Katherine Castleberry , Craig Helmstedter , Linda Hutcherson , Andrew Ishibashi , Darrien Johnson , Peter Johnson , Sue Kaiser , Jon LeDoux , Robert Martinez , Mary O ’ Neil Grace , Elsbeth Prigmore , Rob Stockberger , Craig Wheaton , Denise Wickham , Ron Williams , Roxanna Villasenor
Editorial Office
1029 J Street , Suite 500 Sacramento , CA 95814 916.444.3216 or 800.608 . ACSA www . acsa . org
Advertising Office
Diana Granger , ad sales rep 530.642.0111 Subscription Information 650.692.4300 or 800.608 . ACSA
Leadership magazine ( ISSN 1531-3174 ) is published bi-monthly in September / October , November / December , January / February , March / April and May / June by the Asso ciation of California School Admin istrators , 1575 Bayshore Hwy ., Burlingame , CA 94010 . ( USPS 282-740 ) Annual subscription : $ 60 ; single copies $ 12 ( includes state tax ). Subscriptions outside the U . S . add $ 20 ($ 80 total ). Periodical postage paid at Burlingame , California and additional post offices . Articles and advertisements are the expressions of the author ( s ) and advertisers and are not statements of policy or endorsements of ACSA . Postmaster : Send address changes to : Leadership magazine , ACSA , 1575 Bayshore Hwy ., Burlingame , CA 94010 .
To Our Readers
Public education issues that matter in California matter throughout the nation
With this issue of Leadership , we welcome the National Association of School Superintendents . ACSA ’ s strategic partnership with NASS aims to strengthen the role of education leaders in California and nationwide . NASS represents members in 47 states , and all ACSA superintendents are now part of the national association .
At the core of NASS goals , as with ACSA , is providing quality education to all students . NASS efforts include educating the public to advance quality leadership and reform , while providing continuous access to vital information , networking and mutual support .
ACSA Executive Director Wesley Smith has noted that , as our influence grows in California , this partnership provides an opportunity to leverage our advocacy efforts nationally and improve our professional development offerings by drawing from the best thinking and practices of all 50 states . That ’ s where Leadership is a valuable tool . Our magazine focuses on best practices and knowledge in key areas of public education – issues that matter in California and throughout the nation . We encourage all members of NASS and ACSA to write for Leadership . You can find the 2016-17 themes and dates for article submission at www . acsa . org / publications .
In this issue , we take a look at the implications of social and emotional learning , which has become paramount in our efforts to differentiate and engage all students , especially those of color , foster children , English learners and all students targeted in equity initiatives . In her piece on the “ Secret Language ” of equity ( page 12 ), Aliah MaJon tells us , “ When you choose to have ‘ regard ’ for your students it means that you will become aware of who they are and what matters to them as a human being . It also means you will find as many ways as you can to show them you care .”
Building “ resiliency ,” Gabe Simon shares starting on page 22 , is one way educators can bring all students along , instead of blazing ahead without them . In this model , “ Rather than reactions and referrals , a student is enveloped in a web of support . Adults know every child by name , by their face and by what gifts they bring to their classrooms .” And in looking at the effects social-emotional learning can have on mental health , Edward Thompson ( page 36 ) proposes that “ Social-emotional competencies are a foundation of good mental health and provide skills that allow students to engage in school and benefit from learning .”
We also include articles on rigor , cultural consciousness and understanding the specific needs of students in foster care . We take a quick look at one SEL program that ’ s working in an online format . All of these articles point to the charge education leaders have to advocate for and support the needs of all students and their communities – goals both ACSA and NASS work toward every day . Sincerely ,
Ralph Gómez Porras ACSA President
September | October 2016 7