Whereas, Many school districts face a severe shortage of educational leaders caused by many factors, among them: district growth, retirement and high demand;

Whereas, The National Education Goals Panel has disseminated professional development policies to every state governor asserting that all educators should have opportunities for in-depth professional development that will help them become better teachers and instructional leaders;

Whereas, The National Policy Board of Educational Administration and the Council of Chief State School Officers’ Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium have identified and promulgated six standards, one of which focuses on professional development, which promote the success of all students;

Whereas, The National Staff Development Council has developed a set of standards that guide the development and dissemination of professional development programs, including leadership development;

Whereas, The Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, in cooperation with local school districts and Universities and Colleges, has developed professional development programs of instruction and mentoring to foster interest in and skills to be successful in the principalship.

Whereas, There are multiple benefits for individual administrators, their staff members and schools, and the districts as a whole, as a result of ongoing, sustained and quality leadership development;

Whereas, Funding for leadership development is essential to student achievement; and

Whereas, Leadership development programs should be directly tied to the attainment of state and local standards and student achievement.

Be it therefore, RESOLVED by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals that:

• Principals must have multiple opportunities to undertake the study of pedagogy and to refine their leadership and management skills directly tied to improving teaching and learning.
• Local school districts should be encouraged to provide training and mentoring for classroom teachers to move into building administration and the Michigan Legislature should offer financial incentives to local districts and outstanding classroom instructors to do so.

Approved by the MASSP Board of Directors – November 27, 2000