Contents
OctOber 2012
F e at u r e s
Assessment
The Challenge of Assessing Project-Based Learning 46 On the heels of the Common Core State Standards, administrators assess critical thinking and content mastery. Suzie Boss
CurriCuLum
Why Teaching Civic Engagement Is Essential 57 Teaching the fundamentals of American government builds the foundation for more engaged citizens. Dawn Reiss
LeAdership
Superintendents’ Frustration Grows, but Intangible Rewards Remain High 63 DA’s 2012 Public School Superintendent Salary & Career Report offers worthy advice to school leaders. J.D. Solomon
stem LeArning
46
BrIeFINGs
14 News Update
• People Watch • District Health Solutions Pay Off • Pa. District Won’t Renew Charter • New Report Urges Compromise in Math Curriculum • A Push for Mandate Relief in N.Y. • Latest ACT Results Prove Needs for At-Risk Students • New York Gets OK on Cooperative
Not Your Grandparents’ Vocational School 66 A green wave is making an impact on what students are learning and where they’re headed. Ron Schachter
Technology from The cIo perspecTIve
76
Purchasing • Pros, Cons of Expanding Learning • New Age Banned Books
75 Cio news • Va. Students Automate Magnet School Application Lynn Russo Whylly • Take the Broadband Test for Full Power Angela Pascopella
business
24 Facilities
• Wood Building Construction: A Photo Essay eLeCtion speCiAL seCtion
Keeping Pace with Technology Innovation 76 Learn valuable tips, shortcuts and resources to help your district stay on the upside of the digital divide. Susan McLester
produCts
Managing BYOD Effectively 84 Innovative tools provide Internet access to help district leaders keep students and infrastructure secure. Courtney Williams
4 October 2012
30 The Democrats and Republicans’ National Education Platforms
District Administration
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - October 2012