AASA’s IDEAL Cohort Meeting to Share Integrated Learning Systems at  March Meeting in Washington State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953
jminichello@aasa.org 

COHORT SERVES AS NATIONAL LEADER IN SHAPING FUTURE-DRIVEN POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

Alexandria, Va. – March 24, 2023 – Superintendents working collaboratively to create dynamic learning environments on behalf of the students they serve are convening in Washougal, Wash., March 27-28, as part of AASA’s IDEAL (Innovative Districts Empowering All Learners) Cohort site visit.

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the Washougal School District  are co-hosting the event, where participants will examine best practices and how equity is being addressed in these school systems to ensure a student-centered, future-driven education for our nation’s students.  

“The IDEAL cohort is comprised of outstanding school district leaders who are building cultures and systems in order to provide access and opportunity for our young learners to thrive,” said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. “We are grateful to Superintendent Mary Templeton and her team for hosting our spring cohort meeting at this critical time in public education.”

“This cohort represents an opportunity to bring like-minded leaders together to learn about finding solutions to best fit the needs of our students and to make sure they are rising academically,” said Mary Templeton, superintendent, Washougal School District.

The IDEAL Cohort seeks to provide a deeper understanding of what learners need to create the most dynamic learning environments possible. Members of the cohort work to realize a new vision for empowering all learners and share examples of the most outstanding practices for personalized and individual learning. 

“This cohort represents an opportunity to bring like-minded leaders together to learn about finding solutions to best fit the needs of our students and to make sure they are rising academically,” said Templeton. “Washougal Public Schools is honored to serve as host district for this important meeting as attendees who are thinking critically about instruction can see firsthand how we are supporting the whole child. Public education is the bedrock of the U.S., and the superintendents and their teams taking part in our meeting are making great strides in their respective communities.”

Key aspects of the two-day meeting will focus on: 

• Student-led tours at Washougal High School and Hathaway Elementary School
• Leveraging student voice/Washougal High School student panel
• Building and marketing a shared vision
• Expanding impact through community partnerships

Washougal Schools was recognized by AASA last year as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System in the area of social emotional cognitive growth and is serving as a model of positive forward motion in public education in a bold movement toward creating a meaningful and relevant experience for the students of our nation’s schools.  

Visit the AASA website for additional information about the AASA IDEAL Cohort. Superintendents and other educators can also contact Mort Sherman, senior associate executive director, Leadership Network, at msherman@aasa.org, or Debbie Magee, director, Leadership Network, at dmagee@aasa.org. 

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.