Using Affirming Learning Walks to Build Capacity

Using Affirming Learning Walks to Build Capacity While “Learning Walks” may serve as a valuable tool for professional development, school improvement, and accountability in the educational setting, how the observation data is shared with the staff is critical. The nature of these feedback sessions can determine whether it contributes to a culture of ongoing learning […]
Theory to Practice Toolkit: Making Students Feel Valued and Capable

THEORY TO PRACTICE TOOLKIT Making Students Feel Valued and Capable We are excited to share a new monthly article series where we highlight research-based practices that are making a profound impact on student learning at 175 award-winning NCUST schools. We discovered 8 specific practices common in these schools. Central to our findings is the ability […]
The Importance of Great Early Childhood Education in America’s Best Schools

The Importance of Great Early Childhood Education in America’s Best Schools Joseph F. Johnson Jr., Ph.D. Frequently, when NCUST identifies and awards outstanding elementary schools, those schools have amazing preschool programs. Children (and especially children of color) are more likely to succeed in the elementary school grades because of impressive foundations formed in preschool programs. […]
Equity Champions: Suzanne Berry

EQUITY CHAMPIONS Suzanne Berry Real champions inspire us because we know they give everything to make a difference. Through this column, we are helping make known real champions in the lives of children and youth. At NCUST, we are thankful for all the many equity champions who are, each day, changing lives, changing schools, and […]
Executive Director Chat

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHAT I am thrilled to start my tenure as NCUST’s Executive Director. While I am humbled to follow a great leader in Dr. Joe Johnson, we are fortunate he will continue providing coaching for our organization. As schools trudge through the pandemic, more than ever our mission is the centerpiece for schools while […]
2021 America’s Best Urban Schools Symposium

2021 America’s Best Urban Schools Symposium Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D. During our 2021 America’s Best Urban Schools Virtual Symposium, a participant told me, “I’ve attended several sessions and I’m starting to see how all these successful schools are doing many of the same things!” Yes! Too often, we are led to the mistaken impression […]
ABUS Spotlight Maplewood Richmond Heights High School

AMERICA’S BEST URBAN SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT Maplewood Richmond Heights High School Maplewood Richmond Heights School District Maplewood, MO Grades 9-12 Principal: Kevin Grawer WEBSITE ENROLLMENT: 328 White 55% Black 31% Multi-Racial 7% LatinX 5% Asian 1% Free/ Reduced Lunch 46% Students With Disabilities 13% English Learners 1% This small urban, racially diverse high school (neighboring the […]
“Hey, I Know About This! Now, This Makes Sense!”

One of the most exhilarating moments in teaching occurs when a student exclaims, “Oh, now I get it! Hey, I know about this! Now, this makes sense!”…
Distant Physically, Not Emotionally: Making Students Feel Valued and Capable through Online Learning

Distant Physically, Not Emotionally Making Students Feel Valued and Capable through Online Learning Joseph F. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D. Rupi Boyd, Ed.D., & Jose Iniguez, Ed.D. (#1 in a series of blogs focused on equity and excellence in on-line learning) Attend the free webinar on August 20, 2020 at 10:00 am PDT. MORE INFO In schools […]
Professional Certificates in Educational Equity and Excellence Virtual open house

Professional Certificates in Educational Equity and Excellence VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Are You an Equity-Driven Educational Leader? Do You Refuse to Be Satisfied with Anything Less Than EXCELLENCE FOR ALL? Join us for a Virtual Open House to learn more about our National Principal Supervisor Certificate for Equity and Excellence(for principal supervisors)August 25th at 2:00pm (PT) […]