As principals across the nation implement new initiatives such as teacher evaluation and college- and career-ready standards, not to mention the plethora of other must-dos like arts-integration efforts and social-emotional well-being programs, it’s important to keep our eyes on the prize, with students at the forefront. This issue of Principal shines a light on student-focused school leadership.

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STUDENT-CENTERED LEADERSHIP

Turn Up the Volume
Authentically give students a voice in your school—and listen.
Russell J. Quaglia and Michael J. Corso

Bullying, Interrupted
Teaching empathy and respect can encourage students to intervene when they are witnesses to bullying behavior.
Elizabeth Halsey-Sproul

Keep Gifted Students Challenged
Ensure access, equity, and excellence for high-ability and gifted students.
Joy Lawson Davis

Students Take Center Stage
An Arkansas elementary school uses student-led conferences to provide developmentally appropriate and personalized learning experiences.
As told to Kaylen Tucker

The Strength of Character Education
Establish these five principles before adopting a character education initiative.
Donna Usewick and Christopher Wooleyhand

FEATURES

Strengthen Student Teaching
Principals and teachers should work as a team to assist teacher candidates working in their schools.
Jamilah R. Jor’dan

The Great Homework Debate
How student-centered learning is impacting elementary-grade homework practices.
Susan McLester

IN EVERY ISSUE

From the Editor
Eyes on the Prize
—Kaylen Tucker

Snapshots
Implementing new standards, creativity grant, inspiring teachers

Practitioner’s Corner
Four-Step Lesson Intervention
—Mary C. Clement

Raising the Bar
Rigorous Academics in Preschool Can Exist
—Angèle Sancho Passe

Ten to Teen
Seven Ways to Help Struggling Readers
—Carole Meyer

Speaking Out
Mistaking Change for Progress
—Wendy Crawford

Parents & Schools
Engage Families With Literacy Conference
—Tracy Williams

The Reflective Principal
Mind the Message
—Sherry A. Watts

Principal’s Bookshelf

Rac(e)ing to Class: Confronting Poverty and Race in Schools and Classrooms
By H. Richard Milner IV
—Reviewed by Kristin Bishop

Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing Our Kids for the Innovation Era
By Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith
—Reviewed by Christopher Wooleyhand

It’s the Law
Age Discrimination in Employment
—Perry A. Zirkel

Postscript
A New Direction: Every Student Succeeds
—Gail Connelly