Check out this new report published by New America on Illinois’ cutting-edge work to require principal preparation programs to prepare principals to lead early learning environments—the only state in the nation to require this!

In Preparing Principals for Pre-K in Illinois: The Prairie State’s Story of Reform and Implementation, New America explores Illinois’ shift from a general administrative license to a “PK–12 Principal Endorsement.” This brief includes both a history of the reform efforts and a look at how implementation has fared nearly a decade after the legislation was signed into law. It also offers lessons and recommendations for other states looking to follow Illinois’ lead and ensure principals are equipped to lead pre-K and early grade classrooms.