The National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards have been approved by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) and the Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The NELP standards were spearheaded by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) to provide guidance for education leader preparation – particularly program design and curriculum, candidate assessment, accreditation review and state program approval.
The NELP standards were developed under the leadership of UCEA Executive Director, Michelle D. Young, who facilitated a committee comprised of educators, leaders and researchers from across the country. The NELP standards, which are aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), elucidate what educational leaders should know and be able to do as a result of participating in an educational leadership preparation program.
The NELP building and district standards were created to provide more specific guidance based upon whether individuals are preparing for a principalship or a superintendency. The NELP standards were expanded to include a standard for ethics and professional norms, equity and culturally responsive leadership and developing professional capacity.
In writing the NELP standards, the committee consulted research on preparation and practice, as well as practicing leaders, state education officials, researchers, and higher-education leaders and faculty.
Leadership preparation providers and states are urged to adopt the standards for both building and district leaders and to make use of the new NELP Companion Guide. More information on the NELP standards can be found on the National Policy Board for Educational Administration website.