[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING ACT OF 2009

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                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, research shows that school 
leadership can be one of the most positive and effective factors in 
improving student learning. In fact, a strong school principal is often 
the principle reason behind a successful, well-functioning school that 
attracts and maintains quality instructors. In high-need schools, 
strong school leadership is especially crucial.
  When the No Child Left Behind Act is reauthorized, the federal 
government will look to provide additional resources to help high-need 
schools improve student achievement. With a strong and inspirational 
principal at the helm, a high-need school will be more likely to 
achieve success.
  Representative Todd Russell Platts and I are introducing the School 
Principal Recruitment and Training Act of 2009 to put the nation on the 
right track toward creating a new generation of effective school 
leaders. The legislation provides competitive grants to recruit and 
train high-caliber aspiring and current principals to lead high-need 
schools and stay in their positions.
  As part of the training, principals will be mentored by other 
successful school leaders, and they will receive on-going education 
even after their placement. The legislation includes a data and 
reporting component so successful outcomes can be disseminated and 
replicated at other high-need schools.
  Madam Speaker, I urge consideration of this legislation as we 
continue the effort to improve education in the United States and close 
the Achievement Gap.

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