What Is ASCD and What Does It Offer for Educators?

Updated

ASCD is a professional learning organization for educators and instructional leaders. Its stated purpose is to provide practical, timely, and affordable professional learning so educators can deliver a modern, equitable, and quality education. If you are a teacher, coach, or school leader looking for books, certification, or curated resources, ASCD is aimed at you. Note that some content sits behind an ISTE+ASCD membership, and some items are marked as preorders rather than available now.

What ASCD actually is

ASCD describes itself as existing to help educators "align vision, technology, and practice so every student thrives." Its framing line is "Education, Transformed," moving from disconnected learning toward purposeful transformation. In practice, that means it publishes and curates professional learning rather than operating as a school or a government body.

It now works alongside ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), and several offerings are presented jointly as ISTE+ASCD.

What it offers

Books and quick reference guides

The shop lists practical titles for classroom and leadership use. Examples from the current catalog:

Title Price Status
The Affective Teacher: Activating the Nine Positive Emotions That Boost Student Achievement $41.95 Preorder
Teaching Visual Thinking: 45 Strategies to Help Students Sketch, Shape, and Share Their Learning $39.95 Preorder
Strengthening Tier 1 Teaching: Three Steps to Stop Endless Intervention $39.95 Preorder
The Vital Role of Joy in Schools: Strategies for Resilient Teachers and Students $31.95 Preorder
Affirming Students' Cultures and Communities (Quick Reference Guide) $14.95 Preorder
Expand Your Coaching Toolbox! 20 Practical Strategies That Improve Teaching and Learning $41.95 Preorder
Wise Freedom: Giving Students the Tools to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond $38.95 Preorder
Designing Authentic Assessments with Digital Tools (Quick Reference Guide) $14.95 Preorder

Several entries carry a "Member Book" label, which signals member pricing or access. The listing does not state exact member discounts, so check the product page before buying.

Certification and programs

  • Instructional Leader Certification Program — a competency-based program focused on five key areas intended to elevate instruction and improve student outcomes.
  • ISTE+ASCD Learning Academy — presented as a newer learning offering.

AI and ChatGPT resources

ASCD and ISTE offer curated resources and tools for navigating AI and ChatGPT in schools, aimed at educators who need guidance on classroom and school use.

Articles and newsletters

The site publishes articles on topics such as student engagement, instructional leadership, and coaching. Recent examples include "Disengagement Isn't Always a Discipline Problem," "Coaching the Culture," and "30 Years In: The Lessons I Learned About Instructional Coaching." You can subscribe to ISTE+ASCD newsletters to receive articles and resources by email, tailored to your role.

Topic coverage

Content is organized around areas including:

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Assessment & Grading
  • Classroom Management & Behavior
  • Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
  • Differentiated Instruction

How to decide whether it fits your needs

  • If you want ready-to-use classroom strategies, start with the books and quick reference guides, especially the short-format guides at the lower price point.
  • If you are a coach or aspiring instructional leader, the certification program and coaching-focused titles are the most direct fit.
  • If your priority is AI in schools, the ASCD/ISTE AI and ChatGPT resources are the relevant entry point.
  • If you want ongoing updates rather than a one-time purchase, the newsletter subscription is the lowest-commitment option.

Because pricing, membership terms, and availability are not fully specified on the pages reviewed here, confirm details on the individual product or program page before committing.