Local Get Smart Schools signed a partnership this week with the George W. Bush Institute’s Alliance to Reform Education Leadership this week, after initially delaying the partnership when Bush cancelled a visit to Denver.
Get Smart Schools is a local non-profit that trains leaders to become principals at innovation or charter schools.
It is the first leadership organization in the country to partner with the institute.
“We applaud the work that the institute is doing to bring attention to the critical issue of school leadership and we are excited to work with them to help prepare the next generation of transformative school leaders,” said Amy Slothhower, executive director for Get Smart Schools.
The partnership is intended to ensure that school principals are properly recruited, trained and evaluated.
The Bush Institute launched the Alliance to Reform Education Leadership in 2010, and aims to improve the performance of school principals, according to a release from the organization.
The initiative is working to create a nationwide network to change the way school districts identify, recruit, prepare, empower, and evaluate their leaders.
“Our partnership with Get Smarts Schools is a prime example of the Bush Institute’s goal to share best practices and resources to offer innovative, forward-thinking programs that will change the game for public schools,” said Kerri Briggs, director of education reform at the Bush Institute, in a statement.
Get Smart Schools will also develop a national certification program for principals.
