Republican Lawmaker Plans Professional Training Bill for Alabama Principals
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A Republican senator intends to introduce a bill that could present fresh opportunities for the training of principals, along with potential financial benefits.
Senator Arthur Orr, who represents the Republican Party in the state of Decatur, explained that the bill aims to establish more rigorous training programs for principals and to increase the salaries of those who complete such programs.
Orr stated that the idea for the bill emerged from discussions with educators who emphasized the crucial role played by principals in a school’s success.
He further emphasized the significance of having high-performing principals who can elevate the performance of the entire school, while a low-performing principal can have a detrimental impact.
Orr expressed his belief that many principals currently acquire their skills through on-the-job training.
Presently, Alabama has eight official standards for instructional leaders. These leaders are expected to engage in continuous improvement planning, support and monitor teaching and learning, develop faculty and staff, accommodate the diverse needs of students, maintain relationships with the community, integrate technology, manage the learning organization, and demonstrate ethical behavior.
Professional training related to these standards is available, according to Vic Wilson, the executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), a professional organization for school administrators. Administrators with an official certificate must complete five units of training over a five-year period.
CLAS currently provides various professional learning units, including topics such as "Promoting Continuous Improvement in Schools & Districts," "Supporting Whole System Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education: A Learning Circle for Leaders," "Providing Effective Feedback for Improving Classroom Instruction," and "Leaders Building Schools of Character."
Wilson stated that there are indeed standards and evaluations in place to assess the effectiveness of school leaders.
He also expressed his belief that having standards is beneficial. Principals, like teachers, should continually engage in learning, he added.
He concluded that anything that demonstrates exceptional leadership is advantageous for those under the supervision of principals.
Orr compared the proposed idea to the national board certification for teachers. To obtain certification, teachers must complete assessments and portfolios to prove their understanding of five core principles: dedication to students and learning, subject knowledge and teaching skills, responsibility for managing and monitoring student learning, systemic thinking about practice and learning from experience, and participation in a learning community.
In Alabama, certified teachers receive a $5,000 yearly stipend in addition to their regular pay. Orr mentioned that a similar incentive might be considered for administrators.
He stated that the intention is to reward principals who are willing to go the extra mile by pursuing training and to create incentives that encourage them to do so.
The regular session of the Alabama Legislature for 2023 will begin on March 7.
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