Within the last 5 years, policymakers and practitioners have confronted the challenge of replacing many retiring educational leaders. To address this issue, standards for educators themselves have been proposed, some modeled around those of the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). Attention is also turning to advanced certification to recognize expert leadership. Educational leadership is also undergoing redefinition as leaders immerse themselves in the "core technology" of teaching and learning, use data to make decisions, and align staff development with student learning needs. Distributed leadership, where school leadership responsibilities are taken on by other school staff members, enhances the school's effectiveness and relieves some of the principal's burdens. Educational leadership development occurs now through formalized mentoring programs. A "curriculum" for leadership is also under development, in which best-practice models are integrated with advanced certification programs. State support can make a difference in leadership preparation by pointing a direction and getting priorities; expanding the candidate pool; enhancing administrator training and professional development; setting licensure, certification, and accreditation requirements; enhancing the conditions of practice; and allocating legal authority. Efforts to improve leadership are complex and multilayered, but they have one overarching theme: Effective leadership is defined by student learning. (Contains 13 references.) (RT)