A new push is under way to jump-start stalled efforts to create a system of advanced certification for principals and superintendents, akin to the national certification process for teachers.
   At the urging of a coalition of groups representing educational administrators, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards has agreed to coordinate the initial planning. An advisory panel began meeting last month and expects over the summer to begin work toward choosing a chairperson and a board of directors to lead the project.
   Although still lacking a major funder to back what will assuredly be an expensive enterprise, organizers say the involvement of the national board – and the prospect that someone will soon be named to spearhead the effort – greatly increases the odds of winning financial support.