A New Occasion for Educating Your Principal

Teachers in middle grades and high school have a new, special opportunity to engage principals in dialogue about how to improve adolescent literacy. The National Association of Secondary School Principals has published Creating a Culture of Literacy: A Guide for Middle and High School Principals. Because of generous funding from the Gates Foundation, a copy of the guide has been sent to every middle school high school principal in the country.

As we know, however, this publication will mean nothing if it is not read. The NASSP itself recognizes this point: the conclusion says to principals about the material, “Those of you reading this have two choices: put it on the shelf, or begin to act upon it.” Because principals are so busy, often with necessary administrative matters, I think that they will need assistance “to act upon it.” And, that’s where NCTE members come in.

To garner the understanding of and support for what it takes to engage adolescents in learning, you may want to engage in conversation with your principal about the contents of Creating a Culture of Literacy. Chapters in the very readable publication include a focus on leadership, a summary of what is known about adolescent literacy, a positive way of using assessment, the essential ingredients of a literacy program, and ways to meet needs of all students. Appendices offer templates for capacity surveys, a literacy team planning guide, an improvement action plan, and progress monitoring. A literacy bibliography points to other materials that may be useful. The publication is available online for downloading: http://www.nassp.org/s_nassp/sec_news.asp?CID=1&DID=52936.

You will know best how to enter into the conversation in the context of your school and which parts of the publication can spur discussion and action that will benefit your culture. This new publication offers an up-to-date common reading for administrators and teachers. Consider taking advantage of the moment.