[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Instructional Leadership Act of 2012, which will strengthen schools by 
helping principals become high-performing instructional leaders.
  The passage of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) charged school principals 
with additional responsibilities. They not only serve as organizational 
leaders, ensuring that school culture and resources support teaching 
and learning, but they are also accountable for student achievement and 
the broader goals of NCLB. Unfortunately, principals often lack the 
appropriate training and resources needed to accomplish these goals. It 
is time to bring attention to the importance of developing programs 
that train principals on the best practices to guide instruction in 
schools, so that they can more effectively support teachers in 
improving student academic achievement.
  The Instructional Leadership Act of 2012 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 
Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of 
Secondary School Principals (NASSP), two of the leading organizations 
working to develop and promote excellence in school leaders. The 
Instructional Leadership Act of 2012 represents a necessary first step 
towards developing the next generation of school leaders who are 
committed to, and effective in, increasing student achievement. I will 
continue working to include this bill in the reauthorization of the 
Elementary and Secondary Education Act during the next Congress, and I 
urge you to join me in championing our Nation's principals by 
supporting this important piece of legislation.

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