QUALIFICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION AS SUPERINTENDENT OR PRINCIPAL.

(a) The qualifications for superintendent must permit a candidate for certification to substitute management training or experience for part of the educational experience.

(b) The qualifications for certification as a principal must be sufficiently flexible so that an outstanding teacher may qualify by substituting approved experience and professional training for part of the educational requirements. Supervised and approved on-the-job experience in addition to required internship shall be accepted in lieu of classroom hours. The qualifications must emphasize:

(1) instructional leadership, including the ability to create an inclusive school environment and to foster parent involvement;

(2) administration, supervision, and communication skills;

(3) curriculum and instruction management, including curriculum and instruction management for students with disabilities;

(4) performance evaluation;

(5) organization; and

(6) fiscal management.

(c) Because an effective principal is essential to school improvement, the board shall ensure that:

(1) each candidate for certification as a principal is of the highest caliber; and

(2) multi-level screening processes, validated comprehensive assessment programs, and flexible internships with successful mentors exist to determine whether a candidate for certification as a principal possesses the essential knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities necessary for success.

(d) In creating the qualifications for certification as a principal, the board shall consider the knowledge, skills, and proficiencies for principals as developed by relevant national organizations and the State Board of Education.

(e) For purposes of satisfying eligibility requirements for certification as a principal, a teacher who is certified under Section 21.0487:

(1) is considered to hold a classroom teaching certificate; and

(2) may apply as creditable years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher any period during which the teacher was employed by a school district as a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor before or after the teacher was certified under Section 21.0487.