HJR 20/SJR 58: Commission to Review, Study and Reform Educational Leadership

November 15, 2002
Richmond

The commission's fifth and final meeting of 2002 consisted of a work session in which the members developed the following recommendations:

1. That the Board of Education, by October 1, 2003, examine and revise its administrative licensure requirements to ensure alignment with the evaluation criteria for principals, administrators, and central office instructional personnel as set forth in the board's Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Administrators and Superintendents.

2. That the Board of Education and the State Council of Higher Education coordinate to ensure that the performance and leadership standards described in the board's Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Administrators, and Superintendents are reflected in preparation and training programs for principals and superintendents in institutions of higher education.

3. That the Board of Education and the State Council of Higher Education develop guidelines for mentorships for administrators within approved administrator training programs.

4. That approved higher education programs, in collaboration with school divisions, develop and implement models for internships for aspiring principals and assistant principals.

5. That the Board of Education review its regulations as may be necessary to incorporate alternative licensure routes for principals and assistant principals that recognize the various and particular skills required for the functions of such positions as well as potential alternative sources of training for such licensure. In further support of this recommendation, the Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute (CEPI) will examine the delivery of training programs, the roles alternative candidates might assume, and what skills might be needed for tailored administrative positions; CEPI will also coordinate with the board and will report to the commission in 2003.

6. That Article VIII, Section 7 of the Virginia Constitution be amended to authorize the General Assembly to prescribe by statute the delegation of school board authority over certain personnel and employment decisions.

Discussion also focused on current state budgetary constraints, leadership academies, the value of mentorships and internships, credit for out-of-state service, enhanced staffing levels, incentive and reward initiatives, sabbaticals, and annual evaluations for principals. The commission endorsed in concept legislation to be offered independently by commission member Delegate Reid authorizing superintendents accepting employment from out-of-state to purchase Virginia Retirement System benefits.

Chairman:

The Hon. Phillip A. Hamilton

For information, contact:

Kathleen G. Harris
Division of Legislative Services

THE RECORD

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