MN HF643

Commissioner of education may contract with Minnesota State University Mankato or University of Minnesota to establish a Principals' Leadership Institute providing research-based professional development focused on instructional and organizational leadership for licensed principals.

Institute must incorporate program elements from University of Minnesota leadership programs, business community practices, and current research-based educational leadership practices.

School boards and charter schools may recommend licensed principals or school leaders to attend based on leadership potential, with direct applications also accepted by February 1 deadline to an administrator of the institute.

A Principals' Leadership Institute shall be offered annually in the seven-county metropolitan area and greater Minnesota, with the greater Minnesota program located at a designated Center of Excellence.

Appropriations are provided for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to reduce participant costs to $2,000 per participant, with priority funding given to programs demonstrating models that contribute to significant increases in student achievement through independent research.