Past Issues
2022 Issues
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April
Leaderboard
From the Editor: When in AprilASBJ Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail offers an overview of this month’s issue.
Leadership Matters: Training for boards is critical
NSBA Executive Director and CEO John Heim discusses professional development for school boards as a vital resource for making school districts work for students.President’s Perspective: What we do in 2022 and beyond
NSBA 2021-22 President Viola Garcia on moving forward and staying focused on what we can control.Trends
Book Review
Breakthrough Leadership: Six Principles Guiding Schools Where INEQUITY Is Not an OptionNewsmaker
When school districts have alerted families to the expanded Child Tax Credit and how they can access free tax assistance, many families have taken action to claim this critical support that can help provide stability to the students in your schools.
Features
2022 Magna Awards: Grand Prize Winners
School districts large and small are removing barriers to academic success. The 2022 Magna Awards recognize three Grand Prize winners for innovation and creativity in educational equity.
2022 Magna Awards: Silver Award Winners
School districts large and small are removing barriers to academic success. The 2022 Magna Awards recognize 15 Silver Award winners for innovation and creativity in achieving educational equity.
Before the pandemic, an estimated 1 in 6 U.S. students was chronically absent from school. COVID-19 caused absenteeism rates to soar, particularly in communities with high numbers of the most vulnerable students. Districts are digging in to reengage with these students.
As the nation grapples with the “Great Resignation,” school systems face their own battle to hire and retain staff at all positions who are feeling stressed, exhausted, disrespected, and underpaid.
Five Lessons for Successful School Board Service
School board service is complex and demanding. Still, it remains a wonderful opportunity for individuals to provide their unique skills, talents, and experiences to the community.
Emphasizing real-life projects that benefit the community helps a career and technical education program in rural Virginia raise the bar for student engagement and learning.
Soundboard
In highly stressful times like these, burnout and work-life balance can challenge those charged with positively connecting school districts and their communities.
Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate
To build a strong partnership between schools and parents, the former needs a profound understanding of the wants, needs, and expectations of the latter.
Students from underserved neighborhoods have less access to green outdoor spaces and inviting schoolyards than their peers in affluent communities. This inequality impacts students’ physical and mental wellness and their academic success.
Members of the school law community need to take steps to prioritize their mental health and well-being so that they can continue to support and inspire their clients, colleagues, and loved ones.
Johns Hopkins School of Education researcher Bob Balfanz says school leaders need to be “proactive, not reactive” to help high school students find success during the pandemic.
Online Only
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February
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Listen to your students
ASBJ insights from Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail.
Leadership Matters: Going forward and looking forward
NSBA Executive Director and CEO John Heim discusses moving forward and better meeting the needs of federation members.
President’s Perspective: Essential responsibilities of a school board
NSBA 2021-22 President Viola Garcia emphasizes the importance of effective, fair, sound governance.Features
Giving students opportunities to share their perspectives and make their voices heard is essential as districts continue to navigate a pandemic that has increasingly put youth at risk—especially those in high-need communities.
With the steady rise in the popularity of podcasts, more districts and schools are using the audio format to reach parents and other community members, as well as guide students in creating their own programs.
By ensuring the best balance of community voices, school boards can strengthen their ability to do the urgent work ahead.
Becoming a Better School Board Chair
Robert Rader, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and a board governance veteran, shares tips on effective board leadership.
Seeing the value in criticism is a necessary challenge for school leaders that helps in finding equitable resolutions.
Shining a spotlight on some of the can’t miss events and offerings at the NSBA 2022 Annual Conference.
Soundboard
Boards advised to look for ways “to hear from the majority of your constituents.”
A sizeable number of states failed to provide guidelines on how to serve students with disabilities for the 2021-22 school year.
The ongoing pandemic offers an opportunity to take stock of your institution’s equity work.
2021 National Teacher of the Year Q&A Juliana Urtubey advocates embracing the full diversity of your students and families.
Urban Advocate
Urban districts adopt tutoring, small group instruction, and other strategies to accelerate learning and tackle unfinished learning caused by the pandemic.
Ali of Compton Unified School District, California, Holman of Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska, and Jones of Lancaster Independent School District, Texas, named to 2021-22 CUBE Steering Committee.
Online
2021 Issues
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February
Storyboard
Newsmaker
NSBA purchasing cooperative eases procurement processes
Voices of Leadership
Education under the Biden-Harris administration
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Happy 130th anniversary to us
Leading Transformational Change: Flourish to the fullest
President's Perspective: Ending institutional racism in education
Urban Advocate
New Year’s resolution for equity
Soundboard
Research: Competency-based education
School Law: Student privacy safeguards
Backboard
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April
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Equity in action during the pandemic
Leading Transformational Change: Good communication is key to building trust
President's Perspective: Children are not broken
Storyboard
The 2021 Magna Awards — Grand Prize
The 2021 Magna Awards — First Place
Staunch Advocate for Public Schools
Online Experience Presents Thought Leaders
Newsmaker
Dismantling Institutional Racism in Education (DIRE)
Soundboard
Communications: Equity lessons learned
Equity: The evolving roles of school resource officers
Backboard
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June
Leaderboard
From the Editor: ‘Homework with a side of fries’
Leading Transformational Change: Lessons from a year like no other
President's Perspective: Inspiring future generations
Storyboard
The State of the Association: Pandemic Year
Urban Advocate
Soundboard
Communications: Turn Stereotypes Upside Down
Research: Online Learning Opportunities
School Law: Preparing to Be Proactive
Equity: Digital Equity for All
Business of Education: Safe Spaces and Places
Backboard
Q&A: Mara Schiff, Restorative justice expert
Online
Blue Bird launches first-of-its-kind event
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August
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Focus on facilities
ASBJ Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail previews the 2021 August issue of American School Board Journal, which spotlights school infrastructure.Leadership Matters: Invest in infrastructure
In his ASBJ column, NSBA Interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven reflects on the importance of investing in our national school infrastructure for the 51 million students who attend public schools.President's Perspective: Up to the challenge
NSBA’s 2021-22 President Dr. Viola M. Garcia reflects on the questions that the pandemic has posed to public education and encourages school board members to strengthen their resolve.Features
Infrastructure Best Practices
As K-12 infrastructure receives renewed attention, facilities experts offer advice on effectively leveraging community engagement and detailed planning to back major construction projects.Construction Stories
ASBJ Contributing Editor Glenn Cook profiles school districts in Maryland, Texas, and Washington, looking at the biggest challenges they faced in creating buy-in to replace or rebuild aging school buildings.Environment and Achievement
ASBJ explores how education leaders can improve classroom acoustics, air quality, lighting, and temperature to prioritize academic outcomes.Books at Home
While the pandemic shuttered physical access to schools and libraries, districts across the country found clever ways to keep their students reading.Infection Prevention
The pandemic instilled many important hygiene practices into everyone’s daily routines. As society continues to reopen, it’s important to retain some of these practices to keep students healthy.
Newsmaker
Asian American History is American History
Students and school board members in Maryland’s Howard County Public School System are highlighting the integral role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in American history.
Soundboard
Communications: Justice Leaders
Washtenaw Intermediate School District Interim Superintendent Naomi Norman discusses how the Michigan district prioritizes equity, including its work with educators and nonprofit and church leaders, to provide training on bias, diversity, race, and the long-term effect of poverty on generations of students.Research: Safe and Healthy Buildings
NSBA Senior Research Analyst Jinghong Cai examines the national data behind school infrastructure, revealing the impact of overcrowded classrooms and inadequate workspaces on student achievement.School Law: Vaccinations in the Workplace
While the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has clarified some questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, employers—including school districts—should take steps to avoid unnecessary litigation.Equity: Mental Health of Educators
A school psychology professor shares how districts can support the well-being of their educators and what individual teachers can do to prioritize their mental health.
Backboard
Q&A: Carol Jago, literacy expert
ASBJ’s Michelle Healy interviews Carol Jago, associate director of the California Reading and Literature Project at UCLA, about her newest book.Online
As Senate advances trillion-dollar infrastructure package for final vote, NSBA urges funds dedicated to support school facilities. Issues highlighted in August ASBJ.
Following the U.S. Senate 67-32 vote to advance a $1 trillion infrastructure package, NSBA urged congressional leaders to invest at least $130 billion in school facilities. The August issue of NSBA’s American School Board Journal examines some of the challenges facing school districts with facilities in dire need of renovation, modernization, and replacement.Excelling in Extraordinary Circumstances
As we look ahead to the next school year and beyond, ensuring ALL students have access to high-quality learning opportunities, and the resources needed to thrive, are top of mind. These stories spotlight powerful partnerships, pivoting to virtual work-based learning and internships, harnessing technology and innovation, and more. -
October
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Sweeney Todd and Me
ASBJ Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail shares a personal story that underscores the essential role of arts in schools—the theme of the 2021 October issue of American School Board Journal.
Leadership Matters: Promoting Arts Education
NSBA interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven discusses the importance of arts education, highlighting how it can promote work-life balance while also improving academic outcomes.
President’s Perspective: Reimagined Opportunities
NSBA President Dr. Viola M. Garcia reflects on the agility, flexibility, and responsiveness demonstrated by school board members and other education leaders during the last 18 months and looks forward to new ways of teaching and learning.Features
Anything Is Possible
Aldine Independent School District's Carver High School offers award-winning programs in visual arts, vocal and instrumental music, dance, and theatre, giving its students—many of whom live in poverty—a safe environment to discover and be themselves.
Arts Bridge the Gaps
Data backs up what Tony Plana knows to be true from his own experience growing up as an immigrant in America: arts education closes achievement gaps and promotes social-emotional development.
The Power of Music
Country Music Association CEO and CMA Foundation President Sarah Trahern interviews Trisha Yearwood about her musical journey and the impact of music education.
Curveball Strategies for Success
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has continued to enable students for college during the pandemic by offering consistency, community, and connection.Newsmakers
The Leading Edge
NSBA recognizes The Indiana School Boards Association and Virginia School Boards Association for their tireless work to provide an equitable and excellent public education for all students with the 2021 Leading Edge Award.
Understanding Critical Race Theory
ASBJ defines critical race theory and related terms to help school board members answer questions from the public.Soundboard
Communications: Race and Equity Training
Shayla Reese Griffin, co-founder of the Justice Leaders Collaborative, discusses the importance of training educators on bias, diversity, race, and the long-term effect of poverty on generations of students.
Research: Full STEAM Ahead
NSBA Senior Research Analyst Jinghong Cai shares takeaways from the Summer Symposium of the Ohio Art Education Association for teachers seeking to integrate the arts into STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects.
School Law: Consequences and Prevention
Establishing proper policies and consequences for online communication is key to preventing inappropriate relationships between students and staff.
Equity: We Will All Be Champions
Former professional soccer player and member of the United States Women’s National Team Joanna Lohman emphasizes the importance of creating youth sporting environments that make LGBTQ students feel safe, seen, and loved.Urban Advocate
Stimulus Money Demands Leadership, Transparency, and Accountability
CUBE Steering Committee Chair Steve Gallon emphasizes the fiduciary responsibilities school boards must abide by as they receive $130 billion from the American Rescue Plan.Remote Education Options
As of August, 79% of large and urban districts planned to offer some form of remote option during the fall semester. ASBJ explores how several districts are reinstituting remote learning options—from temporary solutions to lasting alternatives.
Backboard
Q&A: Christopher Emdin
Best-selling author and Columbia University professor Christopher Emdin discusses his new book Ratchetdemic and the need to provide students with spaces to display their academic brilliance without sacrificing their identities. -
December
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Messy and Essential
The latest from ASBJ Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail.Leadership Matters: Increase Awareness of School Boards' Role
NSBA interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven discusses the importance of work-life balance for students and school leaders.President's Perspective: Expanding the Definition of Student Safety and Security
NSBA 2021-22 president Viola Garcia discusses how student safety and security have had to evolve to encompass whole child safety needs.Features
Pressure Points
Public discourse and communication with parents and community members are essential to school board governance. However, the scenes at board meetings over the past several months show that the goal of many speakers is not to participate in reasoned debate. Instead, it is disruption, intimidation, and threats of violence, often for a social media audience.
School Safety Evolution
The pandemic has changed the way districts approach security and safety plans. Zac Rantz, chief communication officer and safety coordinator of Missouri's Nixa Public Schools, explores how school leaders can take a multilayered approach to school safety.
The Misuse of Testing
American educators have been employing standardized tests in essentially the same ways for more than a century. So, given this reality, why is there any need to be concerned now about the ways we have been using those tests—even if the pandemic may have caused some educators to reconsider many of their traditional practices? The answer may be unnerving, but it can’t be overlooked.
Learner, Teacher, Leader
NSBA President Viola Garcia has spent decades serving students as a school board member, teacher, principal, and college professor. She says her personal, professional, and volunteer life have all been interrelated, and at the core of them all has been education.
A Cautionary Tale of Two Districts
Compared to the beginning of the pandemic, there is currently an adequate supply of high-quality alcohol-based hand sanitizer. However, many school districts continue to utilize surplus stock donated or purchased at the beginning of the pandemic, when products with unknown impurities and efficacy were readily available, and in many cases, were the only ones obtainable.Newsmakers
Districts Welcome Afghan Refugees
In September, the Biden administration requested funding from Congress to help settle 95,000 Afghan evacuees expected this year and next. The first wave of those school-age evacuees has begun arriving in U.S. schools.Soundboard
Communications: Community Connections
Austin Independent School District is one of 400 districts that uses an app to dispatch parent inquires to the appropriate office, offering first-class customer service across the district’s 125 schools.
Research: Safety in Numbers
Using data from 338 school districts, the Center for Public Education examined COVID infection rates, COVID vaccine hesitancy rates, and face mask policies in rural communities.
School Law: Protecting District Data
School board leadership plays a crucial role in cybersecurity and preventing attacks on school district data.
Equity: Trauma-Insensitive Schools
While some schools have made progress in understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how to support students, far too many schools are the source of ACEs for some students. Institutional racism in education can lead to trauma.
Business of Education: Safety, Focus, and Security
NSBA recently partnered with Kajeet—a leading provider of secure and controlled wireless experiences—to close the homework gap. In an interview with ASBJ, Kajeet CEO Daniel Neal discusses the company and digital inclusion.Urban Advocate
Top Urban Boards
ASBJ features this year's winners of the 2021 Award for Urban School Board Excellence: South Carolina’s Richland County School District One and Tennessee’s Shelby County Schools.
Luminous Eagle Award Honors Two Former Chairs
Former AIAN committee chairs Rodney Schilt of Oklahoma and David Snyder of Wyoming are winners of the 2021 Luminous Eagle Award.
Get Your Jerseys Dirty
2021-22 CUBE Steering Committee Steve Gallon III delivers words of inspiration and conviction to school board leaders.Backboard
Q&A: Rural Teacher of the Year
2021 National Rural Teacher of the Year Laurie Smith discusses teaching and relationship building with ASBJ's Michelle Healy.
Book Review: Common Sense Evidence
Doctoral student Rahnda Ford reviews a new book written to help educators use data.
Online Stories
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2022
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2021
Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning: A Secret Weapon for Our Students
As Senate advances trillion-dollar infrastructure package for final vote, NSBA urges funds dedicated to support school facilities. Issues highlighted in August ASBJ
Blue Bird launches first-of-its-kind eventBridging the Gap: Professional Development and LGBTQ Youth
Excelling in Extraordinary Circumstances
Hey, Jimmy. How Are Your “Psychological Insults”?
Instructional Equity and Access in a Pandemic
Is Open/Public Bargaining the Future for Public Schools?
Meeting the Serious Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Most Vulnerable
Reimagining the Future of Assessment
Transform the learning environment, transform learning! -
2020
Adding More Play as You Reopen
DonorsChoose Supports Educators and District Leaders During the COVID-19 Crisis
NSBA’s New “Elevated Solutions” Program Saves Districts Money, Gains Revenue, Improves Outcomes
Synergy™ Imagination™ – Developing Together in a World Designed for Us
Change Culture to Change Results
Designing an Equitable and Sustainable Computer Science Education Program
Doing More With Required Data: Leveraging Essa for Expanded Insight
Help to Add More Play When You're Ready
Helping Today’s Student Shine Now and for Years to Come
SEL + MTSS: How to Empower Middle Schoolers to Navigate Rough Waters
Superior Sound-Isolation Rooms Improve Overall Performance
Understanding the Toll of Student Discipline
Ensuring a Consistent, Compassionate Presence in the Driver’s Seat
School Letter Grades and Achievement
We Will Meet Them Where They Are
Back-to-school: Creating a safe and healthy learning environment beyond COVID-19 protocols
Digitarium SkyBox Supports Effective STEM Lessons Online or in-Person
Four Solutions to School Disinfection and Funding Questions
A K-12 School's Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Student Device Insurance
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2019
Achieving Equity in Discipline
Making a Commitment to Care for Every Child, Every Day
Lessons Learned in School Security
ASHA Certification Delivers the Gold Standard of Care
A Blended Leadership Project for Special Education
What District Leaders Can Do to Support English Learners Today
New Resource Helps Educators Navigate Tough Issues Students Face
2020 Issues
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February
Features
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Silver memories
Tom on Point: Is your district award-worthy?
President's Perspective: Count every child
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Telling Your Story
Database: Not Only for Art's Sake
Seeking Counsel: CTE and the Law
Equity: Accurate and Equitable Grading
Urban Advocate
Backboard
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April
Features
The 2020 Magna Awards — Grand Prize
The 2020 Magna Awards — First Place
Passionate Advocate for Public Education
Sound Advice for School Leaders
Leaderboard
From the editor: And the winner is...
President's Perspective: The power of just one for just one
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Uncomfortable Conversations
Seeking Counsel: Shield and Sword
Backboard
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June
Storyboard
Four 'Big Ideas' of Board Governance
Leaderboard
President's Perspective: Reinvented schools
President's Brief: After a quick pivot, more work and challenges await us
Urban Advocate
Can a Crisis Lead to Equitable Access?
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Honoring the Class of 2020
Database: Continuity of Education
Seeking Counsel: The Children Are Watching Us
Backboard
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August
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October
Storyboard
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Hearing their stories
Leading Transformational Change: Season of renewal
President's Perspective: The agenda against public education
President's Brief: Welcome to Cleveland!
Urban Advocate
Decisions for the Next Generation
The Intersectionality of School Safety, Health, and Opportunity
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Beyond Information
Seeking Counsel: On the Basis of Sex
Equity: Philanthropy Lends a Hand
Business of Education: College Assistance from the U.S. Army
Backboard
Q&A: David Kirkland on culturally responsive remote education
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December
Storyboard
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Dismantling racism
Leading Transformational Change: Strategic learning at NSBA
President's Perspective: 25 years of education deform by the plutocrats
President's Brief: Musings of a board member on institutional racism in education
Urban Advocate
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Aggressive Common Sense
Database: The Condition of Native American Students
Seeking Counsel: Vaping Dangers
Backboard
Q&A: Scott Poland on youth suicide risk
Online
How Structured Interviews Help School Boards Make Better Superintendent Selections
2019 Issues
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February
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April
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June
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August
Features
Phishing, Ransomeware, and Data Breaches
Media Literacy as Violence Prevention
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Urban Renewal
Tom on Point: The Underpinning of Democracy
President's Perspective: Summer at Last
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: When the Unthinkable Occurs
Database: Special Ed Discipline Disparities
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October
Features
Leaderboard
From the Editor: 'It's Better to See' *
Tom on Point: A Republic, if We Can Keep It
President's Perspective: Make a Difference to Generations
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: Everybody's Job
Database: CTE and Special Education
Seeking Counsel: First Amendment at Board Meetings
Urban Advocate
Clarion Voice for Equity and Quality
Backboard
Q&A: Curriculum Specialists on the Need for Accurate Indigenous History Instruction
Online
Communication is Key to Academic Success
CORE Construction and Procedeo: National Companies Built on Trust
Preparing for the Coming Fiscal Crunch
Teacher Retention: A Growing Problem
What District Leaders Can Do to Support Equitable Classrooms in Their Schools
* Part of the multimedia edition
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December
Features
Preparing for Changing Climate
Leaderboard
From the Editor: Can't close the schoolhouse doors
Tom on Point: Demanding, invaluable public service
President's Perspective: American Education Week
Soundboard
Public Advocacy: A department of one
Seeking Counsel: Telehealth in schools
Equity: Paid internships pay off
Urban Advocate
Race is Harder Than Rocket Science
Backboard
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