May | June 2025

© 2025 Association of California School Administrators

A publication of the Association of California School Administrators

A publication of the Association of California School Administrators

College, career & life readiness

School leaders reimagine how to prepare students for bright futures

May | June 2025

The squads effect

By Caprice Young

The Squads model used by Navigator Schools leverages adolescent brain development to teach durable skills that prepare students for work and life.

Leading adult education transformation

By Thoibi Rublaitus

Adult education is evolving to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing workforce landscape. Leadership in this field requires innovative strategies that align education and workforce development to support economic mobility and address labor shortages.

100 CA school districts have created a Portrait of a Graduate. Here's why

By Roman Stearns

A Portrait of a Graduate provides a North Star and brings necessary coherence to multiple efforts districts are pursuing. These best practices can help schools develop a Portrait of a Graduate and take them from “poster to practice.”

A cut above the rest

By Kellie Williams

Based on student feedback, Victor Valley Union High School District has established a Barbering Pathway that prepares students to earn their barbering license. It's also had a transformative impact on their attendance, behavior and academic performance.

Every student, every future

By Judianne Ganschow

Computer science and computational thinking are skills everyone needs, and they can help students access an explosion in computing jobs that will be available in the near future. But not every student is getting an equal chance to learn these skills.

Bridging college readiness

By Samir Noor

Understanding the significance of exposing students to rigorous courses, Heritage High School in Liberty Union HSD has shifted its focus to expand access to college-level courses like AP and dual enrollment for all students.

Reimagining education

By Oyame KenZoe Brian J. Selassie and Crystal Leach

Sequoia Union High School District is integrating emotional intelligence into its educational approach, hoping to disrupt socio-emotional deficits that can cause students to struggle as adults.

Who am I? What do I want? How do I get it?

By Jennifer Schriver

Murrieta Valley Unified School District has redefined its educational priorities and aligned its career readiness initiatives with an newly adopted Profile of a Graduate.

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