Editor's Viewpoint

Looking forward to 2008
Part I of this ASCD SmartBrief special year-end report looked back at the most important trends and stories of 2007. Part II, below, highlights our predictions and yours for what's in store for 2008.

In 2008, ASCD will continue advocating on our behalf for an improved reauthorized No Child Left Behind through several policy changes, including the use of multiple measures of assessment, secondary school innovation and more support for teachers. ASCD will continue to work on policy measures that close the achievement gap and educate the whole child. Items such as children's health and safety, greater community engagement and opportunities for greater collaboration between schools, businesses and communities also will be at the forefront of the industry throughout the coming year.

As for events, the first half of the year promises ASCD's 63rd Annual Conference and Exhibit Show (March 15 to 17) in New Orleans, which will feature a conference program centering on the theme: "Reinventing Schools: Courageous Leadership for Positive Change." Visit the ASCD Web site for full details.

Your Predictions

Have you taken steps to become a school leader?

• Yes, I'm a principal or other administrator -- 57%
• Yes, I'm a veteran teacher leader -- 30%
• Yes, but I'm only starting to explore teacher leadership -- 10%
• Not yet -- 3%

I need more information on the following topic:

• Classroom management and discipline -- 30%
• Assessment and grading -- 28%
• Curriculum -- 15%
• School leadership -- 17%
• Technology solutions -- 10%

How has your school changed as a result of NCLB?

• We've completely revamped our curriculum -- 25%
• We've made many changes, although some basics remain the same -- 46%
• We've changed only a little; most of our curriculum is the same -- 25%
• I'm not sure -- 4%

What national trend do you find most worrisome?

• School violence -- 29%
• High-school dropout rate -- 28%
• Resegregation of schools or other racial issues -- 18%
• Childhood obesity -- 14%
• Other -- 11%

ASCD 2008 Events

Upcoming ASCD Conferences

2008 Annual Conference & Exhibit Show
March 15 to 17, 2008
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, La.

Summer Conference 2008
June 27 to 29, 2008
Nashville, Tenn.

2008 Conference on Teaching and Learning
Oct. 24 to 26, 2008
Los Angeles, Calif. 

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