Up-to-date professional resources can greatly increase your effectiveness as an instructional leader. Here are some resources you should consider adding to your toolbox …
Commissioner’s Memos – The Arkansas Department of Education offers updates on the latest Commissioner’s Memos for specific groups. When you subscribe to their e-mail newsletter, you will receive notifications on the latest Commissioner’s Memos that impact you. You can also access the Memo Archives to research specific legislation or topics of interest. All EDLD students are strongly encouraged to subscribe to this vital source of information as soon as they begin the program!
AAEA – If you are a member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (recommended), be sure to sign up for their Legislative Updates. These come out regularly when the Legislature is in session, and they provide a unique perspective on proposed legislation related to Arkansas education. The AAEA’s job placement board might also be of interest.
OEP – The Office for Education Policy offers current educational research (national, state, and regional) to support Arkansas lawmakers and educators in thoughtful decision-making. Their charts and data on everything from growth scores to teacher’s salaries can help you better understand what’s happening in PK-12 education in our state. In addition, OEP’s monthly blog provides a unique perspective on proposed, pending, and current education legislation.
EL Magazine – Educational Leadership magazine, the ASCD’s flagship publication, offers a wealth of information on timely topics. Written specifically for educators by respected leaders in the field â teachers, principals, and researchers at every level â EL is acknowledged worldwide as an authoritative source for all things education.
ASCD Smart Brief – Smart Brief’s editors curate the top stories from thousands of credible sources and summarize them for you. They offer free email-based newsletters with topics of interest to specific audiences (K-12, teacher groups, leadership, etc.). Their motto is, “We read everything so you don’t have to.”
Education Week – Education Week is an independent news organization that covers Kâ12 education. It’s known for providing both news and analysis, along with explanatory and investigative journalism. While this is a paid subscription service, EdWeek Now is their FREE email-based service that offers real-time updates about breaking news, K-12 policy updates, and essential reading for school professionals.