[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCING THE INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2010

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Instructional Leadership Act of 2010, which will strengthen schools by 
helping principals to become instructional leaders.
  With the passage of No Child Left Behind, NCLB, school principals 
often find themselves with greater responsibilities. They are 
accountable for student achievement and the broader goals of NCLB but 
they lack the appropriate training and resources needed to accomplish 
these goals. It is time to bring equal attention to developing programs 
that train principals on the best practices to guide teaching and 
learning in schools.
  The Instructional Leadership Act of 2010 provides grants to State and 
local educational agencies to drive gains in academic achievement for 
all children by: (1) Creating innovative programs and sites to train 
principals in instructional leadership skills including developing a 
school vision, staff development, and effective instructional 
practices; (2) Developing pilot programs to evaluate the incorporation 
of standards of instructional leadership into State principal 
certifications; and (3) Establishing state-of-the-art principal 
induction programs that provide mentoring and on-the-job training for 
new principals.
  This legislation is strongly supported by the National Association of 
Secondary School Principals, NASSP. It represents a necessary first 
step towards developing the next generation of school leaders who are 
committed to, and effective in, increasing student achievement. I urge 
support for this important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________