I'm keeping my eye on the Instructional Leadership Act of 2007 H.R.3441 introduced in the House by Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) on August 3 which would authorize $100 million to develop innovative programs to train principals in instructional skills. In addition to training principals, this legislation proposes to incorporate those skills into state certifications and licensure and requires the U.S. Department of Education to develop a definition of a highly qualified principal (HQP).
Part I, Section G, reads as follows:
IN GENERAL- Based on the reports under subsection (f), the Secretary shall establish a definition of `highly qualified principal' that emphasizes standards of instructional leadership.
`(2) CONSIDERATIONS- In developing such a definition, the Secretary shall give consideration to the need for principals to--
- demonstrate awareness of the knowledge skills and attitudes needed to effectively lead teaching and learning in schools;
- engage in continuous professional development, utilizing a combination of academic study, developmental simulation exercises, self-reflection, mentorship and internship; and
- demonstrate the capacity to lead in establishing and maintaining a professional learning community that effectively uses data to improve and personalize instruction for all students to result in improved student achievement.
This proposed legislation validates the leadership development work we're doing in Michigan with the MI-LIFE (Michigan Leadership Improvement Framework Endorsement) Program funded by a grant from Microsoft Partners in Learning. Beginning in January 2008, Michigan educational leaders will have the opportunity to participate in MI-LIFE's professional learning courses that focus on the “Right Tools” the “Right Qualities” and the “Right Work” for school leaders. The curriculum is structured into learning units comprised of “just-in-time” units consisting of learning, collaborating, communicating and data collecting technology tools/applications, six courses that include face-to-face sessions with learner-directed intersession work, and two online courses. The program focuses on the skills, relationships and behaviors leaders must develop to be successful Digital Leaders, Data Leaders and Instructional Leaders.
Built around the standards and benchmarks included in the Michigan School Improvement Framework and aligned with the work of McREL's Balanced Leadership responsibilities (Marzano, McNulty and Waters) and the Microsoft Education Competencies, MI-LIFE is intended to build statewide capacity among leaders centering on the same characteristics identified in the proposed definition of a HQP listed above.
What I'm equally encouraged about by this proposed legislation is the possibility of the reinstatement of state licensure and certification for Michigan educational leaders. Authorization to issue Administrator certificates in Michigan was eliminated under Public Act 289 of 1995, making Michigan one of the few states that do not issue formal Administrator certificates to school leaders.
Take the time to connect with your U.S. Representative to encourage his/her support for this important piece of legislation. It's clear that good instructional leadership positively impacts student achievement. The passage of H.R. 3441 will provide funding to help states, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and universities develop innovative programs so that principals will have the tools and training to be strong instructional leaders.
--Marion Ginopolis <Cross posted on the LeaderTalk blog>
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