Equity, Youth Research, and the Rise of Assistant Principals

November Insights and News

View this email in your browser | Forward to a friend | Subscribe Insights and News November 2026 Equity-Centered School Leadership What does it look like when districts, states, universities, and communities collaborate effectively to develop strong school leaders? A new report from Wallace’s Equity Centered Principal Pipeline initiative shares lessons from eight school districts on how to build stronger, more sustainable partnerships between districts, state agencies, universities, and community organizations. The report covers how these relationships are key to supporting and developing school leaders. The Benefits of Afterschool Programs, According to Young People Research shows too many young people are missing out on afterschool programs. And even those who do attend can have trouble engaging consistently. One way to figure out what youth want from programs: ask them. This Wallace-commissioned study did just that, including a team of high school and college student researchers who interviewed their peers. Understanding the Increase in Assistant Principals A report from Mathematica, Vanderbilt University, and Policy Studies Associates provides insights on the increase in roles and career pathways of assistant principals in three major school districts. It tracks various factors that have contributed to the rising number of assistant principals across the United States, such as heightened student needs and the growing complexity of school operations. This is the third report in a series by this team on assistant principals and their expansive role in schools. Schools, Districts, States A survey of roughly 1,000 local school board members representing nearly 700 districts reveals that board members consider parents to be the most influential group in school board elections, nearly double the rate of teachers’ unions. (Paywall might apply). The National Association of Elementary School Principals highlights research on why investing in leadership is one of the most impactful measures policymakers can put forth to improve education and equity in schools. Districts mainly serving students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, and English learners are receiving less state and local funding, says the latest edition of EdTrust’s Funding Gaps analysis. The report is accompanied by an interactive data tool: The State of Funding Equity. Jessica Pac, a University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher, breaks down how free pre-K programs may be helping to reduce Child Protective Services investigations and to meet childhood behavioral needs more frequently.   Youth Development This opinion piece from EdWeek argues that when it comes to social-emotional learning, instead of asking if SEL “works,” we should be pressing: how can we recognize childhood emotions as a type of intuition? (Paywall might apply). GELYDA’s “Extensions” magazine showcases insights from young people, researchers, practitioners, and leaders across the globe, discussing the value of creative development for a young person’s critical thinking, community-building skills, and leadership development. The Afterschool Alliance reports that, from 2020 to 2025, the percentage of parents who said their child’s afterschool program included STEM education increased from 73% to 92%. Yet, despite the jump, rural students are still lacking in participation. The Arts A study commissioned by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts found that high school seniors who consistently participated in arts education averaged nearly 19% lower chronic absenteeism rates than their cohort peers. In the face of art school closures, these San Francisco-based artists and galleries are placing greater emphasis on community-building by cultivating their galleries as third spaces for locals to gather, share ideas, and inspire each other. (Free subscription might apply). A brief from the Arts Education Partnership emphasizes the value of arts education for improving well-being in youth and asserts that policy can serve as an effective vehicle to cultivate nationwide support in positive new well-being practices. Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Pittsburgh Public Theater are now the Confluence Theater of Pittsburgh, which will produce year-round productions, run education programs for all ages, and help fuel the greater Pittsburgh creative economy. Copyright © 2026 The Wallace Foundation, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: The Wallace Foundation 140 Broadway, 49th Floor New York, NY 10005 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.