Reduce the special education

paperwork requirements. IDEA's paperwork requirements have become so overwhelming

and repetitive that much-needed special education teachers are leaving

the profession. Principals urged congress to overhaul these requirements

to give teachers more time to spend with students.

Support high-quality professional

development pertaining to special education. Principals often are not

included in special education training and methods. However, as school

leaders who hire and evaluate special education teachers, principals need

to be kept up to date on special education theory and practice.

Eliminate IDEA's dual system

of discipline. Principals asked congress to adjust the school discipline

and safety regulations under IDEA so that they apply to all children special

and regular education students alike. Principals asked that federal funds

not be contingent on a dual system of discipline.

Maintain funding for the School

Leadership Initiative. Principals urged congress to continue funding this

new program, which is designed to help high-need districts hire more principals.

The program also provides some funds for professional development to help

school leaders build their skills.

Increase funding for Smaller

Learning Communities. A program to help more school districts and large

schools plan and develop better learning environments by using smaller-school

strategies.

Continue full funding for

education programs. As demands for higher standards grow and educators

are held accountable for student achievement, schools need a myriad of

resources to help students meet high expectations. Along with GAESP principals

from Georgia, Corley and Pollard discussed these concerns on Capitol Hill

in meetings with Representative Nathan Deal, Republican; Johnny Isakson,

Republican, and Senators Zell Miller, Democrat, and Max Cleland, Democrat.

Corley is president-elect of

the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals and was elected

president-elect of the Southeastern Region of Elementary School Principals

while in Washington, D.C. Pollard is Georgia's State Leader for the National

Association of Elementary School Principals and was responsible for scheduling

the congressional visits.