The National Association for Magnet and Theme-Based Schools

1. The National Association for Magnet and Theme-Based Schools Magnet Schools of America providesleadership for innovative instructional programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for all students in public school choice programs. 

2. (NIMSL) A New MSA Leadership Initiative!

4. Priorities Practices Productivity Leadership Academy People Promotion

5. Magnet Schools of America Puts Leadership Into Action • In October, 2007, Magnet Schools of America established the National Institute for Leadership, a new initiative approved by the Board of Directors to, as Dr. Robert Brooks, Executive Director says, “to put MSA’s Leadership into Action.” What does this involve? • To develop a new vision for professional development for “Leaders and Leaders in Training.” MSA is highly recognized for its professional development, so this leadership initiative is a natural progression for MSA. • To develop a “Blue Ribbon” panel of leaders to advise MSA in the development of the essentials to put in place a National Institute for Leaders as an integral entity within MSA. These essentials will include discussions about communications, motivation, collaboration and teamwork, services and activities to potential leaders, and training programs to meet identified needs of staff to become leaders. • To assist states to develop State or Regional Associations as affiliates of Magnet Schools of America. Included in this objective will be to develop recognition programs for national, state and local school leaders to exemplify their work with students, staff, and community. Community Service is not only a medium to reach out to others but also an opportunity to convey one’s ideas and plans; for example, increasing student achievement.

6. Magnet Schools of America Puts Leadership Into Action (continued) • Magnet Schools of America has always been about building better leadership through better schools, better trained staff, better programs for students, and better professional development for staff. To date, the Association has lacked the staff and resources to move to the next level. That is not the case now. An outcome of the National Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel will be to establish a National Advisory Committee of Magnet Leaders to meet annually at the National Conference and serve for a term of two years. Until then, on the drawing board for discussion include six (6) major areas: • Establish a National Leadership Academy for Aspiring Principals; • Provide Leadership sessions at the National Conference; • Publish Articles on Leadership and Current Research; • Establish Regional Forums on Leadership; • Invite Magnet Practitioners to Author Articles on School Leadership; • Build new memberships through engaging the leadership in an organizational name change to meet the needs and goals of school districts as they develop new and emerging magnet and choice schools and significantly revise existing programs.

7. National Institute for Magnet School Leadership (NIMSL) Timeline June/July, 2008: Identify National NIMSL Advisory Committee July, 2008 : Present workshop at SMART July/December 2008: Begin process to identify “NIMSL” trainers to address stated objectives (e.g., TA to school districts) August/September 2008: Develop October TAC Leadership Session August/December 2008: Review resumes and identify potential “trainers.” October, 2008: Present update to Board of Directors on NIMSL October, 2008: Present “Leadership for Leaders” at TAC October/December 2008: Complete process for DC incorporation October 2008/March 2009: Complete process for IRS Nonprofit Status January/February 2009: Schedule Blue Ribbon Panel Meeting