SB3610ham001 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Rep. Roger L. Eddy

Filed: 5/5/2010

09600SB3610ham001 LRB096 20747 NHT 41241 a

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 3610

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 3610 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Section 21-7.6 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/21-7.6 new)

Sec. 21-7.6. Principal endorsement.

(a) It is the policy of this State that an essential element of improving student learning is supporting and employing highly effective school principals in leadership roles who improve teaching and learning and increase academic achievement and the development of all students.

(b) Beginning on July 1, 2014, all institutions of higher education wishing to offer principal preparation programs must do all of the following:

(1) Meet the standards and requirements for such programs in accordance with this Section and any rules adopted by the State Board of Education.

(2) Prepare candidates to meet approved standards for principal skills, knowledge, and responsibilities, which shall include a focus on instruction and student learning and which must be used for principal professional development, mentoring, and evaluation.

(3) Include specific requirements for the selection and assessment of candidates, partnerships with public schools in this State, training in the evaluation of staff, and an internship.

(c) In order to obtain the principal endorsement established under this Section, an individual must successfully complete an approved principal preparation program established pursuant to this Section, hold a master's degree or higher, and have a minimum of 4 years of teaching or school service personnel experience on a valid certificate; however, the State Board of Education may, by rule, allow for fewer than 4 years of experience based on performance evaluations.

(d) No candidates may be admitted to an approved general administrative preparation program after September 1, 2012. Institutions of higher education currently offering general administrative preparation programs may no longer entitle principals with a general administrative endorsement after June 30, 2014.

(e) Candidates successfully completing principal preparation programs established pursuant to this Section shall obtain a principal endorsement on an administrative certificate and are eligible to serve as a principal or assistant principal. Beginning on July 1, 2014, the current general administrative endorsement must no longer be issued for principals. Individuals holding the general administrative endorsement prior to July 1, 2014 shall continue to be able to serve as principals or assistant principals or hold any positions that they were qualified to hold prior to the principal endorsement taking effect under this Section. If an individual holding a valid and registered general administrative endorsement wishes to receive the principal endorsement established pursuant to this Section, he or she may complete one of the following pathways:

(1) Take a State principal assessment developed by the State Board of Education. If such an individual passes the State principal assessment, he or she shall receive the new principal endorsement and does not need to complete a new principal preparation program.

(2) Through July 1, 2018, complete an Illinois Administrators' Academy course designated by the State Board of Education upon the recommendation of the State Superintendent of Education. If such an individual successfully completes the Illinois Administrators' Academy course, he or she shall receive the new principal endorsement and does not need to complete a new principal preparation program.

(3) Complete the new principal preparation program.

(f) To the extent that any provision in this Section conflicts with Section 21-7.1 of this Code, this Section shall govern.

(g) The State Board of Education may adopt rules necessary to implement and administer principal preparation programs under this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.".