News and Advocacy

Cleaning House: The End of CPS's Contract with Aramark

As the custodial management contract with Aramark inside Chicago Public Schools (CPS) comes to an end, there’s a palpable mix of anticipation and reservation.The decision to bring management back unde

AFSA Joins Hands with Italian School Leaders

AFSA has embarked on an official collaboration with the largest network of school leaders in Italy, Senza Zaino.

Data-Driven AP Lifts Up Students, Teachers

Lizzy Crispin headed the committee that led Leonardo da Vinci High School to become the first and only Blue Ribbon high school in Buffalo, New York.

Sedrick Smith: A Principal is Like Being the Teacher of a Very Large Classroom

Every National Principals Month, AFSA expresses its gratitude by highlighting outstanding school leaders.

“Who are you?” a 4-year-old boy asked Sedrick Smith when he and his little classmates entered the principal’s office on a recent pre-K tour of Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore. 

In addition to being principal at Fallstaff, Dr. Smith is an adjunct professor of education at Loyola University Maryland and a writer who has been published in The Baltimore Sun, the Chicago Tribune and various scholarly journals. 

Patricia Magaña: Fighting for Her Students

“My personal background has a positive effect on the kids.”

Books Bans on the Rise: State Legislation is Driving Restrictions

The number of public school book bans across the country increased by 33% in the 2022–23 school year compared with the 2021–22 school year.

New Data Shows Highest School Enrollment in Years

Total school enrollment experienced a growth of 1.3 million students.

U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence

Nearly 1 in 3 teen girls seriously considered attempting suicide—up nearly 60% from a decade ago.

Holbrook Leads with Clarity, Compassion

Justin tries to practice “clear and concise leadership layered with compassion.”