From makerspaces and outdoor learning to restorative justice practices and instructional rounds, school leaders are charged with responding to today’s realities—shifting demographics, technological advances, and new policies and initiatives—all in ways that keep students’ well-rounded learning experiences at the center. This issue of Principal features articles on the classroom experience, and how principals can serve students in these spaces in an innovative way.

Classrooms in Focus

Instructional Rounds: A Handbook for Principals
Practical steps to illuminate the best teaching techniques, strategies, and practices.
Aaron Brengard

Learning Space Transformation
STEAM education and the Maker Movement are helping principals re-imagine the way schools look and teach.
Jacie Maslyck

A Field Guide to Designing Outdoor Learning Experiences
Green learning works with creativity and collaboration. Here’s how one Maryland district has tackled it.
Sylvester Conyers, Donald Belle, and Mary Kate Bransford

From Punish and Discipline to Repair and Restore
Promoting restorative justice in the early childhood classroom.
Erica Lawrence and Tracy Hinds

Leading With a Design Mind
Three strategies to incorporate fl exible learning spaces.
Ben Gilpin

FEATURES

Young Voice, Big Impact
Teach young children essential skills, such as asking questions and making decisions.
Kristine Fox

How to Develop a Staff Book Study
Tips, strategies, and book titles to provide differentiated professional learning.
Jessica Johnson

Here’s to Your Health
Recommendations for becoming a healthy school leader.
Sally Beisser and Randal Peters

Forget What You Know About Conferences
The 2017 National Principals Conference will be like no other.
Joan Auchter and Deborah Tyler

IN EVERY ISSUE

From the Editor
Classrooms in Focus
—Kaylen Tucker

Snapshots
Nuggets of research, policy, and practice to keep you informed.

Member Spotlight
Virginia Principal Connects With a Diverse Student Population

The Reflective Principal
Principals’ Emotional Intelligence Outweighs IQ
—Brenda R. Gilio and Timothy H. Dorsey

Ten to Teen
Genuine, Personal Parent Engagement
—Cris Blackstone

Speaking Out
Leveraging the Power of the Principal
—Chris Pearson

Raising the Bar
A Change in School Culture Boosts Student Achievement
—Dawn Love

Parents & Schools
Research Reveals New Pathway for Parental Involvement
—William F. Russell

Principal’s Bookshelf

Collaborative Common Assessment: Teamwork. Instruction. Results.
By Cassandra Erkens
—Reviewed by Jennifer Klipp

Breakthrough Principals: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Stronger Schools
By Jean Desravines, Jaime Aquino, and Benjamin Fenton
—Reviewed by Brian Bond

It’s the Law
Single-Sex Classes
—Perry A. Zirkel

Postscript
Mind Shift on Health and Learning
—Gail Connelly