Tougher Exam Planned For Principal Jobs

By MEREDITH KOLODNER

Educators who want to become Principals will now have to pass a more rigorous entrance exam in order to be considered for the posts.

ERNEST LOGAN: 'No guarantee of success.'

Union officials say the procedure has a back-to-the-future feel, mirroring the screening process administered by the old Board of Examiners until 1990.

Useful But 'No Panacea'

"They will be able to look at people who at least have the minimum competencies," said Council of Supervisors and Administrators President Ernest Logan. "It doesn't tell you if you're going to be successful. It's not the panacea, but it does give you some competencies to look at."

Currently, applicants must have state certification and are then interviewed by the Department of Education. Certification will still be required and the Chancellor will retain the power to appoint Principals. But the new process will require candidates to submit an essay in order to take the exam. The top applicants will be chosen to take the interactive test.

The test will involve critiquing a video of a Teacher giving a lesson, analyzing student test-score data and assessment of the educator's management and leadership skills.

The test was composed using the core competencies agreed to by CSA and the DOE for use in evaluating Principals. Those qualities include the use of data to improve student learning, knowledge of curriculum and instruction, staff development skills, resource management and leadership ability.

Candidates who pass the exam will be allowed to apply for open Principal jobs. The process is open to educators inside and outside the city school system.