A Research-Informed Strategic Plan
Destination NEXT was developed through a comprehensive planning process grounded in educational research, stakeholder engagement, professional learning, and the study of exemplary schools and organizations. The district’s recommendations reflect current research, proven practices, and the collective expertise of educators, students, families, and community partners.
Research, References & Professional Learning
Destination NEXT was developed through an extensive planning process that included educational research, professional literature, school and district site visits, national conferences, consultation with educational organizations, stakeholder engagement, and review of emerging best practices. The following references represent many of the books, research, organizations, conferences, and professional resources that informed the development of the district’s strategic pathways and recommendations.
Because many of these resources informed multiple strategic pathways, references are organized by source type rather than by individual pathway. This reflects the integrated nature of the planning process and the interconnectedness of the district’s strategic priorities.
Books
- Aguilar, Elena. Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators. Jossey-Bass, 2018.
- Bouhentala, Oussama Wail. The Young Leader’s Playbook: Essential Skills for Communication, Problem-Solving, and Inspiring Others. Bow Team, 2025.
- Casas, Jimmy. Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. Dave Burgess Consulting, 2017.
- Cobb, F. Casey, & John Krownapple. Belonging Through a Culture of Dignity. Mimi & Todd Press, 2019.
- Costello, Bob, Joshua Wachtel, & Ted Wachtel. The Restorative Practices Handbook for Teachers, Disciplinarians and Administrators (2nd ed.). International Institute for Restorative Practices, 2019.
- Covey, Sean. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Simon & Schuster, 2014.
- Covey, Stephen R. The Leader in Me: How Schools Around the World Are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time. Simon & Schuster, 2014.
- Coyle, Daniel. The Culture Code. Bantam Books, 2018.
- Donohoo, Jenni. Collective Efficacy: How Educators’ Beliefs Impact Student Learning. Corwin, 2017.
- Elmore, Tim. Habitudes for the Journey: The Art of Navigating Transitions. Poet Gardener, 2016.
- Hammond, Zaretta. Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Corwin, 2014.
- Hattie, John. Visible Learning: The Sequel: A Synthesis of Over 2,100 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement. Routledge, 2023.
- Heath, Chip & Dan Heath. The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact. Simon & Schuster, 2017.
- Jung, Lee Ann, & Nancy Frey. The Way to Inclusion: How Leaders Create Schools Where Every Student Belongs. ASCD, 2023.
- Knighton, Rebecca. Flip the Script. Solution Tree Press, 2025.
- Maxwell, John C. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. HarperCollins Leadership, 2019.
- Mercurio, Zach. The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance. Harvard Business Review Press, 2023.
- Reed, Jonathan. Mastering Leadership Skills for Teens. Chi Digital LLC, 2024.
- Sinek, Simon. Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio, 2011.
- Smith, Richard, Marco Cubino, & Edward McKeon. The AI Revolution in Customer Service and Support. Microsoft Press, 2023.
- Smith, Dominique, Douglas Fisher, & Nancy Frey. Better Than Carrots or Sticks: Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management. ASCD, 2015.
- Souers, Kristin, & Pete Hall. Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma-Sensitive Classroom. ASCD, 2016.
- Wagner, Tony, & Steve Gruenert. School Culture Rewired: Toward a More Positive and Productive School for All. ASCD, 2017.
Research Articles & Professional Reports
The planning team reviewed research and reports addressing topics including:
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
- Career and Postsecondary Readiness
- Collective Teacher Efficacy
- Digital Literacy
- Family and Community Engagement
- Future-Ready Skills
- Metacognition
- Personalized Learning
- Professional Learning
- Restorative Practices
- School Culture and Student Belonging
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Student Leadership Development
- Teacher Effectiveness
- Workforce Readiness
Representative research and professional organizations included:
- Education Week
- Harvard Graduate School of Education
- IBM
- Illinois Student Assistance Commission
- Institute of Education Sciences (U.S. Department of Education)
- International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
- Journal of Leadership Education
- Journal of Sport Psychology in Action
- K–12 Dive
- Marzano Research
- Microsoft Research
- NWEA
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- UNICEF
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
School District Site Visits & Exemplary Programs
The planning team studied innovative programs and promising practices from schools and organizations including:
- Austin Independent School District
- Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
- Design Tech High School
- High Tech High
- Loveland City Schools
- Mason City Schools
- Miami Valley School
- Oakwood City Schools
- Sycamore High School
- Walnut Hills High School
Professional Conferences & Learning
Members of the planning team participated in professional learning opportunities including:
- EdTech Week
- Finalsite Onsite District Communications Workshop
- Innovative Schools Summit
- Learning and the Brain Conference
- Learning Forward Annual Conference
- National Blue Ribbon Schools Conference
Educational Organizations & Professional Resources
Additional professional resources that informed the planning process included:
- Building Resources for Young Adults with Disabilities
- Career Readiness Education Framework
- Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute
- MindPeace
- National Association of Peer Program Leaders (NAPLS)
- Science of Reading Formula Podcast
- YouScience
Our Commitment to Continuous Learning
Destination NEXT reflects Mariemont City Schools’ commitment to thoughtful, research-informed decision making and continuous improvement. In addition to the resources listed above, the planning process was strengthened by stakeholder engagement, collaborative planning, analysis of district data, visits to exemplary schools, and the professional expertise of district staff and leadership.
As implementation progresses, the district will continue to study emerging research, evaluate district data, learn from innovative schools and organizations, and engage stakeholders to ensure Destination NEXT remains responsive to the evolving needs of students, staff, families, and the community.
Note: This list represents the primary books, research, organizations, conferences, site visits, and professional resources that informed the development of Destination NEXT. It is intended to acknowledge key sources that guided the district’s planning process rather than serve as a comprehensive academic bibliography.