Today, many principals are feeling the pressure of introducing multiple, new assessment and evaluation processes in their schools. The data—resulting from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) initiative and teacher and principal evaluations, to start—can seem like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that must be ordered in a way that feels cohesive, and then ultimately benefits children. This issue of Principal explores how school leaders can bring data pieces together for positive outcomes.

Testing To, and Beyond, the Common Core
Linda Darling-Hammond
New assessments can support a multiple-measure framework to deepen teaching and learning.
(Article available to the public.)

Common Core Assessments: A Principal’s View
Lucille McAssey
Four strategies to weather the “perfect storm” of new assessments and evaluations.
(Article available to the public.)

Principal Evaluation Takes Center Stage
Joseph Murphy, Ellen Goldring, and Andrew Porter
Foundational, process, and outcome principles are essential components of principal evaluation systems.

Take Charge of Principal Evaluations
Jacie Maslyk

Time-Saving Teacher Evaluation Solutions
Put all the pieces together with these tactics from the nation’s top principals.

FEATURES

Experience ELL Shadowing
Ivannia Soto
Provide teachers with an unobstructed view of how to enhance language development for English-language learners.

Untying the “Nots” of Bullying Prevention
Jim Dillon
Flip your school’s bullying strategy by emphasizing responsibility and empowering bystanders.
(Article available to the public.)

IN EVERY ISSUE

From the Editor
Data: Putting the Pieces Together
Kaylen Tucker
(Article available to the public.)

Snapshots
Research on language acquisition, buzzword, and member spotlight.
(Article available to the public.)

Practitioner’s Corner
Art-Science Approach for Gifted Learners
Karin Johnson

Raising the Bar
Transform Learning With Tech Co-Teaching
Anne M. Benninghof and Debbie Blair

Principal’s Bookshelf

Formative Assessment in Practice: A Process of Inquiry and Action
By Margaret Heritage
—Reviewed by Hester Chandley Alfred

Cage-Busting Leadership
By Frederick M. Hess
—Reviewed by Jessica Johnson

Parents & Schools
Building Powerful Parent Partnerships
Robert Dillon and Melissa Nixon

The Reflective Principal
Foundations of a Strong School Culture
Peggy Scott

Ten to Teen
Tips to Avoid Tech Integration Frustration
Justin Tarte

Speaking Out
Champions for Fitness
Patty Cote
(Article available to the public.)

It’s the Law
Food Allergies: Nuts?
Perry Zirkel

Postscript
Relationships Are Key to Common Core Success
Gail Connelly
(Article available to the public.)