To Our Readers

Linda Kaminski, ACSA President | January | February 2020

ACSA’s mission statement reads as follows: The Association of California School Administrators is the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development and support of inspired educational leaders who meet the diverse needs of all California students. As we work every day in service to our students, it is essential to recognize that the diverse needs of our student populations challenge us to think broadly about how we create successful, equitable outcomes for students. It is also vital for each of us to recognize that we do not have all of the answers needed to make substantive change. We need to rely on each other to create a school environment that helps students become college- and career-ready. The writers in this edition of Leadership Magazine cover myriad topics related to equity, providing insight into what they see in their schools, districts, and in their communities. Benita Landsman Scheckel, a principal in Pasadena, shares her district’s mixed-methods approach to addressing outcomes for long-term English language learners. The approach: music. That is followed by an article by Larry and Cynthia Lopez on why trouble pronouncing a name can open the door to a culturally-relevant approach to education. Michael Tapia and Rob Darrow focus on strategies related to our LGBTQ+ students. Tapia examines data that suggests laws designed to provide more inclusive public school environments for LGBTQ+ students are not being adequately implemented. Darrow discusses strategies for school administrators to minimize bullying and harassment. Trauma-informed practices are concepts that are widely discussed in California public education and nationwide. Shawn Nealy Oparah writes an incredible piece on how students are carrying unprocessed traumatic memories and how we can provide service to our students. Katherine Aguirre of Santa Paula Unified School District addresses the unique needs of students receiving special education services, and Lisa Andrew and Sunne Wright McPeak discuss how the city of San Jose is working to close the digital divide. Finally, Edwin Javius addresses the areas of race and culture and how the two have become so prominent during our changing times. I invite you to read these submissions and use our online digital Leadership Magazine, available at leadership.acsa.org, to share the articles with your friends. Also, do not forget to send in your submissions for the March/April 2020 edition of Leadership. The theme: advocacy. You can learn more about the topic by visiting the EdCal and Leadership Magazine page at acsa.org/publications.