ASCD was founded in 1943 with the launch of the journal Educational Leadership.
According to the ASCD website, "ASCD is dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading so that every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Comprising 115,000 members—superintendents, principals, teachers, and advocates from more than 128 countries—the ASCD community also includes 51 affiliate organizations."