Governor Signs Wolk Principal Training Bill

Legislation sponsored by Superintendent of Public Instruction

Wolk's legislation, Assembly Bill 164, authorizes high school training plans to include professional development activities that include coaching, mentorship, assistance, and intensive support customized to meet the individual needs of high school administrators. The bill was sponsored by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O'Connell.

"Nothing is more important to the success of a school than a great leader, and nowhere is the need for strong leadership greater than in our high schools," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. "I'm pleased the Governor signed this bill to strengthen training for principals in California high schools."

In his AB 164 signing message, Governor Schwarzenegger said "it is incumbent on the state to focus more critically on the full range of responsibilities of leaders to prepare high school students for the complexities of the 21st century." Additionally, the Governor noted that he was signing Wolk's measure with the understanding that more work would be done in the area of principal training. Schwarzenegger called upon the Secretary of Education, the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to work together in the future to develop a proposal addressing instructional leadership that will guide California's diverse student population toward greater success.

"AB 164 will help provide intensive professional development in management and standards-based instructional leadership to high school principals in California," commented Wolk. "It was great to work with Superintendent O'Connell on this measure that will help high school administrators provide better leadership in our schools."

The bill takes effect January 1, 2005.