ECED 5440 - Curriculum Standards and Lesson Planning for PreK-3
(3 credits)The course focuses on curriculum standards, assessment methods, and lesson planning for PreK-3 with special emphasis on social studies, literacy, science, math, technology, and subject integration. Course requires field placement.
ECED 5450 - Constructivist Inquiry Approach to Science and Math for PreK-3
(3 credits)Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education.
In this course teacher candidates prepare to facilitate problem-solving and critical thinking through the selection of appropriate curricular materials and assessments within the context of PreK-3 science and math classrooms.
ECED 5460 - Standards-Based Literacy Instruction in PreK-3
(2 credits)The course provides foundational knowledge in standards-driven literacy approaches and basic literacy assessment for the PreK-3 classroom. Teacher candidates learn to implement best-practices in teaching literacy in the PreK-3 grade classroom.
(3 credits)Theoretical models of home-school relations will be examined as they have evolved through the 20th/21st century. Strategies for initiating and maintaining effective homeschool-community collaboration will be identified with special emphasis on benefits to parents, children, community, and school personnel.
ECED 5570 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education
(3 credits)A supervised experience in an early childhood program is matched to the needs of the student. Options for the practicum include program director, supervisor, curriculum development, teacher trainer, or other early childhood professional roles. This experience requires 130 hours in an approved PreK-K and/or 1-3 grade sites. This field experience is also designed to meet the requirements for adding an ECE endorsement to an existing teaching license.
Residency II is required of all teacher candidates and consists of 2 required courses: ECED 5585 and ECED 5586. Enrollees are placed in on-campus and area public schools for a 15-week directed teaching experience and are required to observe the same schedule as that prescribed for regular public school teachers by local boards of education. The seminar includes preparing the edTPA and other professional activities related to each school’s specific program.
Residency II: Supervised Field Experience, is required of all teacher candidates. This is a supervised 15-week teaching experience in approved Early Childhood Pre-K and primary grade programs. It is a 6 credit hour course and is full time for the semester. Candidates are placed in on-campus and area public schools for the directed teaching experience and are required to observe the same schedule as that prescribed for regular public school teachers by local boards of education. Activities include actual teaching, observations of other teachers, preparation, planning, and other professional activities related to each school’s specific program. A corresponding seminar (ECED 5585) is held to coordinate and enhance the teacher candidates’ experience and performance.
ECED 5600 - Social Development from a Constructivist Perspective
(3 credits)This course encompasses the study of social development of children from birth to eight years of age. Emphasis is given to the social moral development from a constructivist perspective that includes classroom community and families. Additionally, examination of social development from the child’s perspective is analyzed.
ECED 5610 - Family Community Relations from an Emergent Inquiry Perspective
(3 credits)A theoretical and practical study of the parent-child relationship from the prenatal period through adolescence, with particular emphasis on Reggio-inspired practices. Also, techniques and strategies for involving parents in their children’s educational process are discussed and explored.
(3 credits)Develops skills in literacy instruction and assessment in early childhood classrooms, including appropriate early reading and writing strategies. Graduate students complete 45 hours of clinical residency in PreK-3 classrooms.
When Offered: Fall only. Dual Listed With: ECED 4617.
ECED 5620 - History and Philosophy from an Emergent Inquiry Perspective
(3 credits)The history of early childhood education is examined from the perspective of Reggio influences. Theoretical and philosophical frameworks are analyzed as a basis for evaluating and developing early childhood programs, teacher preparation / professional development opportunities that are Reggio-inspired.
ECED 5627 - Residency I: Writing Process, Assessment, and Strategies for PreK-3
(3 credits)Prepares the teacher candidate to apply current research and best practices in planning instruction of the writing process in PreK-3. Graduate students complete 45 hours of clinical residency in PreK-3 classrooms.
When Offered: Fall only. Dual Listed With: ECED 4627.
ECED 5637 - Residency I: Instructional Strategies for Math and Differentiated Instruction PreK-3
(3 credits)Course requires admission to Early Childhood Teacher Education. Prepares teacher candidates for differentiation of instruction and for teaching mathematics in the PreK-3 classroom using current methodology and materials. Graduate students complete 45 hours of clinical residency in PreK-3 classrooms.
When Offered: Fall only. Dual Listed With: ECED 4637.
ECED 5640 - Designing Physical Environments from an Emergent Inquiry Perspective
(3 credits)This course provides a perspective and rationale for planning an early learning environment from a Reggio-inspired perspective. It will include appropriate design of space and selection of materials for infants, toddlers, and preschool and primary-aged children. Evaluation of selected early childhood facilities, classrooms, and playgrounds will be required.
ECED 5650 - Language and Literacy from an Emergent Inquiry Perspective
(3 credits)This course presents a perspective on the power of re-representation as a tool for communication through many emerging languages that include: drawing, writing, constructing with multimedia and communicating. Theories of language acquisition and language enrichment are explored within the context of the emergent curriculum practices. Documentation of language learning is investigated for its many potentials in relation to literacy development: assessing learning for planning curriculum, reflecting on practice for professional development, as well as sharing learning with children and their families.
(1-3 credits)The Independent Study option is designed for individual students who wish to pursue topics not covered elsewhere in the curriculum. Students work independently under the supervision of a faculty member who creates the course of study in consultation with the department chair.
(1-6 credits)Prerequisites: Dependent on subject matter.
Selected topics of current interest in early childhood education. Offered upon sufficient demand for specific subject matter. May be repeated for different topics. Consultation with the instructor is recommended before enrollment.
(1-3 credits)Students who are not enrolled in other coursework but require the use of university facilities and/or faculty guidance for studies, research, or preparation of a prospectus MUST enroll for Readings and Research. Variable credits (1-3) of Readings and Research may also be used, as approved by student’s advisory committee in conjunction with other coursework, to document such activities as development of research and scholarly skills that would not be appropriately covered by other types of independent study. Readings and Research credits do not count toward degree requirements. Grading of Readings and Research will be either satisfactory completion (S), satisfactory progress (SP), or unsatisfactory (U).
ECED 6100 - Historical and Theoretical Basis for Early Childhood Education
(3 credits)This course is an in-depth investigation and critical analysis of early childhood education from early historical time to the 21st century. Focus is on changing perceptions and expectations of family and young children, establishing the relationship between past perceptions, current practices, and the rebirth of persistent ideas. This course will include the study of theorists and educators who have influenced the field and shaped both past and current practices.
ECED 6200 - Implications and Current Trends in Typical and Atypical Development of Young Children
(3 credits)Introduces research, theory, and practice related to the growth and development of young children, including typical and atypical development. Methods of studying behavior, implications of research for early childhood programs, blended practices, and current trends in serving children with diverse needs, ranging from children at-risk for school failure to children who demonstrate high levels of cognitive development, is emphasized.
ECED 6300 - Social and Cultural Diversity in Children and their Families
(3 credits)Study of the research and theories relating to social and cultural diversity in children and their families as well as practical applications for early childhood professionals working with diverse populations. This course will include self-reflection and personal analysis of bias and stereotypes and the dynamics of prejudice, discrimination, and oppression.
ECED 6400 - Seminar in Professional Development and Leadership
(3 credits)Research and discuss theory and practice related to obtaining extramural funding, conducting scholarly research, and publication of research- and practice-related articles in peer-reviewed journals will be studied. Emphasis will be on methods of researching and investigating potential sources of extramural funding through grant initiatives and private corporations, writing for and submitting to peer-reviewed journals, and developing skills in working as a collaborative team in the grant writing process.
ECED 6600 - Processes of Language and Literacy Learning
(3 credits)This course will focus on theory and research related to early communication through language and literacy, as a social, cultural, and political practice. Included is the study of social and educational policy issues and policy-making actions taken on behalf of literacy learning. Emphasis is on intersection of class, race/ethnicity, gender, and sexuality, as critical axes for understanding culturally-specific language and literacy practices, and as a basis for examining language development and literacy instruction rooted in the experiences of children.
ECED 6610 - The Teaching and Learning Environment: Impact on Children, Families, and Teachers
(3 credits)This course will examine the environment and associated elements of design, arrangement, and layout, which influence young children, teachers, and their families. Current research on environments will be reviewed and applied to early childhood settings. Environmental scales, observations, facility plans, and emotional climate will be studied and used to gain advanced techniques for evaluating and enhancing environments for young children.
ECED 6620 - Leadership Roles, Administration, and Supervision in Early Childhood Education
(3 credits)Analyzes the meaning and development of leadership, assessment of leadership skills, and early childhood leadership roles. The science of leadership is explored through empirically based analysis of: strategic thinking; consensus building; creating change; and influencing better outcomes for children, families, and the profession. Focus on advocacy, collaboration with schools, mentorship, and building of relationships at the local, state, and national levels are explored.
ECED 6630 - Paradigms of Inquiry-Based Constructivism
(3 credits)Explores application of constructivism in teacher development, the early childhood classroom, and research related to inquiry, with specific focus on early childhood education. The focus of this class includes critical thinking, research skills, as students gain skills and methods of interpreting scholarly literature.
ECED 6640 - Critical Analysis of Brain Research and Creativity Theory
(3 credits)This course examines the tenets of brain research and creativity theories within the context of their applications to the field of early childhood research and practice. Focus will include strategies for pedagogy based on physiological foundations “brain-based” teaching and learning, applying creativity, as well as investigating the roles of “brain-based” learning strategies and creativity within a variety of professions related to early childhood education. These settings include the early childhood classroom, teacher education, and teaching and learning in related professional venues (museums, education magazines, educational departments of organizations, etc.).
Provides opportunities for application of the research process in collaboration with a faculty member as a guide. Offers opportunity for early childhood students to learn the skills necessary to plan, implement, and conduct research. This required research apprenticeship requires a minimum of 150 hours of field experience.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: Completion of nine to twelve (9-12) semester hours of doctoral work in Early Childhood Education.
The University Teaching Apprenticeship of at least 150 hours of field experience includes a mentored experience for the student in teaching a university-level course in early childhood education. Extensive work in the university classroom and reflection under the direction of a practicing faculty member from the department is required.
ECED 7002 - Apprenticeship in Development of Teachers
(3 credits)Participates in the development, implementation, and evaluation of training for early childhood teachers who are currently working in the field. The training is specifically designed for teachers working with children from birth to age eight and developed in collaboration with a mentor who has experience in effectively working with adult learners. Requires a minimum of 150 hours of field experience.
(3 credits)Provides hands-on experience with a service coordinator or early interventionist in a setting that serves children birth to age three with developmental disabilities and their families. The experience includes assisting with family programming, on-going assessment, and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) development, and providing home-based developmentally appropriate individual activities for the child. The Early Intervention apprenticeship requires at least 150 hours of field experience.
ECED 7004 - Apprenticeship in Early Childhood Leadership
(3 credits)Engages in an early childhood leadership role with a principal of a Pre-K-3 or Pre-K-5 school, a museum director, a director of an NAEYC-accredited early childhood center, a Pre-K coordinator, a leader in a professional early childhood organization, or a leader in a community-based organization that provides services or advocacy for young children birth to 8 years of age. The Early Childhood Leadership apprenticeship requires a minimum of 150 hours of field experience.
Develops an understanding of quantitative sampling procedures and research designs including, but not limited to, experimental, quasi-experimental, correlation, survey, and single participant. Concentrates on the repertoire of knowledge and skills required to design, conduct, analyze, and utilize quantitative research. It builds on the research and statistics foundations learned in the prerequisite ELPA 7810.
ECED 7812 - Early Childhood Education Qualitative Research
(3 credits)Develops an understanding of qualitative sampling procedures and research designs including but not limited to narrative, phenomenological, grounded theory, ethnographic, and case study. Concentrates on the repertoire of knowledge and skills required to design, conduct, analyze, and utilize qualitative research focused on the issues surrounding the care and education of young children.
Explores the philosophy, logic, methods, research designs, and data analysis approaches of applied research in child development and learning. Students examine work with the scientific logic (e.g., inductive and deductive logic, the role of theory in research) of research methods and designs, including a discussion of how to develop research questions and hypotheses with particular emphasis on those questions dealing with applied research in child development and learning in both typical and atypical populations.
Focuses on early childhood education. The course is a study of early research and the application of research to early childhood theory and practice. During this course, students will write a research proposal that is preprospectus related to their dissertation topic. The seminar aspect of this course will involve the student’s attendance at prospectus and/or dissertation presentations of doctoral students.
(1-3 credits)Students who are not enrolled in other coursework but require the use of university facilities and/or faculty guidance for studies, research, or preparation of a prospectus MUST enroll for Readings and Research. Variable credits (1-3) of Readings and Research may also be used, as approved by student’s advisory committee in conjunction with other coursework, to document such activities as development of research and scholarly skills that would not be appropriately covered by other types of independent study. Readings and Research credits do not count toward degree requirements. Grading of Readings and Research will be either satisfactory completion (S), satisfactory progress (SP), or unsatisfactory (U).
(3 credits)An accelerated course dealing with fundamentals of economic theory. Designed for graduate students with limited or no background in economics.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: MATH 1530 or equivalent.
This accelerated course is designed for students entering the M.B.A. or M.Acc. program without recent academic credits in statistics. The course covers basic descriptive statistics and provides a comprehensive introduction to inferential statistics, including estimation and hypothesis testing.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: ECON 2220 or prior approval needed.
Provides overview of the economics of the health care industry. Topics include the production and pricing of health, the demand and supply of medical care and health insurance, the markets for physician and hospital services, health manpower, medical education, and the role of government and legislation in health care.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: ECON 2210 and ECON 2220.
Compares and contrasts theoretical and real world operations of labor markets and labor relations systems in the United States, Europe, and Japan, including the role of labor unions, major issues in labor relations such as labor law reform, wage inequality, and employment discrimination.
Studies economic functions of government in a market-oriented economy including how governments allocate expenditures according to the preferences of individuals that comprise society and how governments raise money to finance their expenditures.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: ECON 2210 and ECON 2220.
Presents economic specialization and international trade and investment. It includes the growth of the global economy and economic integration, the gains and losses to consumers and producers, government policies that promote and/or restrict international business activities, the role and operation of the international financial system and the rise of multinational companies and global markets.
(1-3 credits)A course designed for graduate students who, under the direction of an economics faculty member, wish to engage in independent research or an intensive study of subjects not covered in other available courses. Prior departmental and college approval is needed.
(3 credits)Study of the historical and philosophical foundations of education with emphasis on how major theories and historical events have influenced education in public schools of today.
(1 credit, may be repeated for a total of 3 credits)This course is required of all M. Ed. candidates in the College of Education. Current topics pertaining to the profession of education will be presented by local, state, regional, and national authorities. Issues that directly impact education such as political, economic, legal, sociological, health, and psychological will be discussed.
EDFN 5015 - Theoretical Foundations of Instructional Design
(3 credits)Focus on theory, ethics, and research practices of instructional design for the online learner. Topics may include learning theories, cognitive load, concepts of universal design for learning, and frameworks of instructional design.
(3 credits)Explores the current and emerging technologies that help support online development, design, and learning. Learners survey and sample the tools and emerging multimedia technologies available for the creation of online instructional materials. This is an evaluation of potential online learning environments and platforms.
EDFN 5025 - Designing Effective and Sustainable Learning Environments
(3 credits)Introduces the learner to the application of the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of the instructional design process to solve instructional problems. Course materials highlight online best practices as well as the selection and presentation of appropriate online content. Primary materials include Dick and Carey’s The Systematic Design of Instruction, the ADDIE framework, Neilson’s Heuristic Usability Principles, and Universal Design for Learning concepts.
Follow a practicum model that provides students with an opportunity to construct a complete instructional design unit. Students incorporate the theoretical foundations of instructional design during the creation and presentation of online instructional content for the purpose of solving an instructional problem.
EDFN 5035 - Research in Instructional Design and Development
(3 credits)Scholarly synthesis of evidence-based research and practice in the field of instructional design. Students prepare for conference presentations and scholarly publications in the field.
EDFN 5040 - Current Trends and Emerging Issues in Instructional Design and Training
(3 credits)Survey of the current trends and issues in the field of instructional design and training. Materials include scholarly publications and case studies that expose ethical considerations, accessibility legislation, and significant shifts in design and evaluation models. Students use current course evaluation methodologies to create a course/training-specific improvement plan and implementation strategy.
EDFN 5050 - Social and Political Influences on Schools
(3 credits)Students will analyze the social and political contexts surrounding schools with emphasis on increasing diversity and multiculturalism within schools. The impact of local, regional, national, and global contexts will be studied. Particular emphasis will be given to the philosophical and cultural influences that shape thinking about schooling and how these influences impact on informal and formal leadership roles in the school.
EDFN 5104 - Philosophy and Psychological Theories of Learning
(3 credits)The course critically analyzes historical events which led the American educational system into a Standards Based instructional model and link knowledge of the brain to the design of work that meets the needs of students, extending the learning environment to anywhere, anyplace, and anytime. Students research leaders who have directly impacted the American educational system and recognize the role of the teacher leader at the local, district, state, and national level.
(3 credits)A study of psychological and educational principles relevant to the teaching/learning process. Methods and concepts engaging practical application are emphasized.
The course uses the most current scientific learning about how the brain acquires, stores, utilizes information, and how to use information about how the brain works. Students link knowledge of the brain to the design of work that meets the needs of P-12 students, creating a learning environment that engages all learners.
(3 credits)This course will provide study of major theories of learning and principles of teaching. Significant emphasis is placed on the application of these theories to classroom practice, with attention given to teaching-learning strategies in specific content areas. Educators are provided with the opportunities to develop and reflect upon their own theories of teaching and learning in their classrooms.
The course is designed for the Master of Arts in teaching program taught in conjunction with student teaching. Contemporary issues and problems confronted by public school teachers are analyzed by the students. Current innovations are studied as they develop.
This is the initial course for students entering the M.A.T. program and focuses on teaching as a career, including the roles and responsibilities of a teacher, teacher professionalism and teacher leadership.
Students in this class will observe, identify, analyze, and reflect on classroom practice in a variety of settings. Field experience in area schools is required.
EDFN 5420 - Foundations in Education: Building a Community of Learners
(4 credits)This is a graduate-level course that focuses on introducing the learner to the foundations of education, and the place of curriculum and instruction within these foundations. It focuses on the current context of education as well as develops an historical perspective. Contexts of education will include teachers, students, families, and community. Characteristics of successful teachers, their students, and the context within which education takes place are discussed. This course is required of all MAT candidates and must be taken in their first semester in the program; it includes 30 hours of field experience in areas of the students choosing - either K-6 (for those pursuing elementary licensure), 4-8 (for those pursuing middle school licensure), or 7-12 (for those pursuing secondary licensure). This class also includes an overview of the MAT program and initial advisement for beginning students.
(3 credits)This course includes the study of research as an approach to problem solving, methods of conducting qualitative and quantitative research, research designs, statistics used in experimental and descriptive research, principles of research interpretation, and the effective communication of research results. The course includes the preparation of a research prospectus or action research plan.
EDFN 6104 - Philosophy and Psychological Theories of Learning
(3 credits)The course critically analyzes historical events which led the American educational system into a Standards Based instructional model and link knowledge of the brain to the design of work that meets the needs of students, extending the learning environment to any where, any place, and any time. Students research leaders who have directly impacted the American educational system and recognize the role of the teacher leader at the local, district, state, and national level.
The course uses the most current scientific learning about how the brain acquires, stores, utilizes information, and how to use information about how the brain works. Students link knowledge of the brain to the design of work that meets the needs of P-12 students, creating a learning environment that engages all learners.
(6 credits)A course integrating the various competencies of interpersonal relations into the school leader’s repertoire. Student’s skills in collecting and managing the flow of information, motivating others, becoming sensitive to human needs and concerns, and communicating effectively in both oral and written modalities will be refined within the context of course activities.
ELPA 5106 - Instructional Leadership through Coaching and Mentoring
(3 credits)This course is designed to introduce to the student basic strengths, rigor, benefits, ideologies, and assets involved in developing, adapting, and enforcing a system/school mentoring program as well as curriculum coaching endeavors. Students will learn skills and techniques necessary for service as a coach or a mentor in their grade levels, departments, and schools. Further, candidates will exhibit leadership skills and traits as they develop and facilitate learning communities in their schools.
ELPA 5108 - Leadership for Differentiating Classrooms
(3 credits)The course critically analyzes the current best research - based practices in pedagogy and assessment for learning and their subsequent implications on differentiated instruction practices in a classroom. In addition to constructing knowledge about the content, processes, and product of differentiated instruction, the student will integrate the concepts in instructional practices. Further students will explore how school leaders can facilitate the change process in their schools as they learn how to develop personalized instruction for diverse learners.
Course will critically analyze philosophical and cultural issues reflective of the local, regional, national, and global social contexts of which the schools are a part. Students will learn legal and regulatory applications of school leadership. Budget planning, development, and implementation will be examined as a logical outgrowth of environmental context influencing schools.
Course increases student knowledge of measurement and evaluation of school outcomes; student guidance and development; adult learner development and learning patterns; foundations of the field of continuing professional development.
Course will address skills and competencies necessary for formulating goals with individuals or groups; planning for organizational change; planning and scheduling resource allocation and utilization; planning, developing, and implementing instructional programs, and assessing school curricula within a changing environment.
Course will approach problem resolution as logical outgrowth of problem analysis, judgment formulation, plan implementation, task delegation, and resource management. Students will learn how to facilitate sound decision-making within the entire school community.
(3 credits)This course examines how group behavior affects organizational effectiveness, decision making, conflict resolution, and strategies for efficient group and task management. Through activities in this course, students will explore their leadership skills specifically related to groups and group social process. Emphasis will be placed on such topics as group decision-making, participation in groups, power and authority, and a variety of communication styles.
Course will focus on relationships between public policy and education; recognizing policy issues; and relating policy initiatives to student welfare. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of sound planning in maintaining school, community, and media relations.
ELPA 5820 - Introduction to Higher Education in America
(3 credits)The course examines major trends, policies, issues, and challenges facing colleges and universities from a variety of perspectives, including historical, administrative, public policy, governance, and faculty.
(3 credits)This course is designed to provide student personnel practitioners with a basic understanding of legal issues and principles they confront in their daily work. Legal issues and cases relevant for student affairs professionals including the responsibilities of administrators and educators to act within the law are addressed.
(3 credits)This seminar focuses on current practices in educational leadership as they relate to the organization and administration of educational programs serving diverse populations. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the educational leader in promoting the concept of lifelong learning in the organization and the politics of education.
(3 credits)An examination of problems and issues in supervision. Emphasizes evolving concepts of supervision and strategies and practices of promoting instructional change.
(3 credits)Prerequisites: Admission to the doctoral program in Educational Leadership.
Provides experiences for professional educators to differentiate and refine standard academic writing for publication. This course emphasizes style and citation as directed by the American Psychological Association, while guiding education professionals in individual writing development.
(6 credits)A course integrating the various competencies of interpersonal relations into the school leader’s repertoire. Student’s skills in collecting and managing the flow of information, motivating others, becoming sensitive to human needs and concerns, and communicating effectively in both oral and written modalities will be refined within the context of course activities.
ELPA 6106 - Instructional Leadership through Coaching and Mentoring
(3 credits)This course is designed to introduce to the student basic strengths, rigor, benefits, ideologies, and assets involved in developing, adapting, and enforcing a system/school mentoring program as well as curriculum coaching endeavors. Students will learn skills and techniques necessary for service as a coach or a mentor in their grade levels, departments, and schools. Further, candidates will exhibit leadership skills and traits as they develop and facilitate learning communities in their schools.
ELPA 6108 - Leadership for Differentiating Classrooms
(3 credits)The course critically analyzes the current best research - based practices in pedagogy and assessment for learning and their subsequent implications on differentiated instruction practices in a classroom. In addition to constructing knowledge about the content, processes, and product of differentiated instruction, the student will integrate the concepts in instructional practices. Further students will explore how school leaders can facilitate the change process in their schools as they learn how to develop personalized instruction for diverse learners.
Course will critically analyze philosophical and cultural issues reflective of the local, regional, national, and global social contexts of which the schools are a part. Students will learn legal and regulatory applications of school leadership. Budget planning, development, and implementation will be examined as a logical outgrowth of environmental context influencing schools.
This seminar is one of the required leadership core courses. The course should not be taken before 30 credits of the educational specialist program have been completed. The course must be completed during the period of residency with the approval of the student’s advanced graduate advisory committee chair. The seminar provides students with the opportunity to complete and present the results of their culminating project for the Ed.S. degree.
Course increases student knowledge of measurement and evaluation of school outcomes; student guidance and development; adult learner development and learning patterns; foundations of the field of continuing professional development.
Course will address skills and competencies necessary for formulating goals with individuals or groups; planning for organizational change; planning and scheduling resource allocation and utilization; planning, developing, and implementing instructional programs, and assessing school curricula within a changing environment.
(3 credits)The purpose of this seminar is to develop a more in-depth understanding of theory and research related to the study of leadership. Although there will be a brief review of traditional theories from traditional approaches (trait, behavioral, etc.) through contemporary approaches (situational, transformational, symbolic, etc.), the focus of this class is on “cuttingedge” ideas. Students are strongly encouraged to explore nontraditional approaches to thinking about how leadership can be conceptualized, explored, and understood, as well as how to relate their ideas to current models. Emphasis will be given to student-initiated exploration of themes which underlie leadership.
ELPA 6451 - Strategic Planning and School-Based Decision-Making
(3 credits)An examination of the theory behind strategic planning and schoolbased management and an examination of the implementation of the concepts in America’s schools.
(3 credits)Prerequisites:ELPA 6450 or permission of instructor.
Students will study the elements that contribute to the development of effective organizations. The course will focus on the critical importance of leadership in creating organizational cultures and will stress the importance of developing a shared vision within the organization. Students will learn strategies for developing organizational cultures that promote reflection, action, and the continuous improvement of performance.
(3 credits)The purpose of this seminar is to develop a more in-depth understanding of ethical theories and ideas relevant to the educational leader. The course provides an opportunity for self-examination of personal views, beliefs and values and the impact of those thoughts on personal leadership development. The course provides a historical perspective to the development of ethical thought, the evolution of ethical thinking through the centuries, and consideration of current ethical decision-making and dilemmas for leaders. The course qualifies as a guided elective in Educational Leadership for doctoral students in all concentrations except the administrative endorsement.
ELPA 6454 - Policy, Power, and Politics in Education
(3 credits)This course critically examines the interrelationship of the formal and informal political and social forces that influence the development of federal, state, and local educational policy in the United States. Emphasis will be given to the development of individual strategies to influence educational policy within the democratic process.
Course will approach problem resolution as logical outgrowth of problem analysis, judgment formulation, plan implementation, task delegation, and resource management. Students will learn how to facilitate sound decision-making within the entire school community.
This course involves fieldwork under the guidance of a mentor who has achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The mentor and student will collaboratively plan and implement a plan of professional development that will lead to the development of the NBPTS portfolio. Much of the collaborative work will occur in the school of the student, although periodic seminars will be held. A secondary focus of the course will be on the mentoring process and the essential elements in an effective mentor/student relationship.
This course is a continuation of ELPA 6555, involves work under the guidance of a mentor who has achieved certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The mentor and student will continue to implement a plan of professional development that will lead to the development of the NBPTS portfolio. Much of the collaborative work will occur in the school of the student, although periodic seminars will be held. Students will present their portfolios to their colleagues and complete practice assessments that parallel the National Board Certification Process. Additional emphasis will be given to the role of mentoring in fostering school-based professional development.