How were the standards developed?
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and The National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) guided the two-year development process. It involved a thorough review of empirical research and included the input of researchers and more than 1,000 school and district leaders through surveys and focus groups to identify gaps among the 2008 Standards, the day-to-day work of education leaders, and leadership demands of the future. After a lengthy comment and review period, CCSSO and the NPBEA boards approved the Standards.
The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders provide guideposts that will help school leaders make a difference every day in the learning and well being of students. Grounded in current research and the real-life experiences of educational leaders, they articulate the leadership that our schools need and our students deserve. They are student-centric, outlining foundational principles of leadership to guide the practice of educational leaders so they can move the needle on student learning and achieve more equitable outcomes. They’re designed to ensure that educational leaders are ready to meet challenges of the job today and in the future as education, schools and society continue to transform.
Who are the standards for?
The Standards are foundational to all levels of educational leadership but apply particularly to principals and assistant principals. PSEL will be adapted to create another set of standards for school leadership preparation programs, known as the NELP standards.
What is new?
The Standards recognize the central importance of human relationships not only in leadership work but also in teaching and student learning. They stress the importance of support and care required for students to excel as well as academic rigor. The Standards recognize the central importance of human relationships not only in leadership work but also in teaching and student learning.
How will these be used?
The PSEL are “model” professional standards that communicate expectations to practitioners, supporting institutions, professional associations, policy makers and the public about the work, qualities and values of effective educational leaders. They will be used by state boards of education to help guide their licensure and professional development programs.
Preface to PSEL Standards Videos
Please watch this 60 second informational video on how and why these videos were created.
Preface to PSEL Standards Videos: Please Watch First
Introduction to PSEL Standards: An Essential Resource for You and Your Team
Exploring PSEL Standards: Key Insights for Effective Leadership
Click below to explore videos that delve into the intricacies and details of each PSEL Standard.