EDUC.6130 Leading the Professional Learning Community (3cr)
it is well documented that teachers who habitually examine their shared work based on inquiry, observation, analysis of data, dialogue, and experimentation tend to be more effective than those who are not reflective and work in isolation. How do we help all teachers become highly effective: How do we spread reflective practice from isolated pockets to all teachers in a school? The answer lies in the transformation of a school's professional staff from isolated practitioners into a professional learning community. A professional learning community is a work culture in which educators regularly learn with and from each other through collaborative inquiry. This course provides the practical know-how and deep understanding need for educators to introduce and lead collaborative inquiry within their school or district and transform the teaching staff into a professional learning community. Furthermore, this course introduces the idea of collaborative inquiry by transforming participants into a professional learning community during the course. Thus, participants focus collaborative inquiry on their shared practice, read and reflect on selected authors, and develop action plans to help them introduce or advance collaborative inquiry in their own work settings.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6220 Managing Resources and Finances (3cr)
This course will provide students with an understanding of the financial principles and budget management in the operation of our public schools. We will analyze economic and demographic data, review local/state and federal education budgets,examine the legal principles of school finance,review local, state and federal laws and policies on public education and evaluate case studies in the operation of public schools. Students will prepare budget documents, develop financial forecasts and prepare policy briefs on various topics related to school finance.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6230 School Policy and Law (3cr)
This course will provide students with an understanding of the law and legal basis for making decisions in our public schools. We will analyze court decisions, state and federal constitutional provisions and laws and public policies and regulations as they pertain to the operation of the public schools in the United States. With a solid understanding of the legal framework of governance at the federal, state and local level and the decisions derived though court cases, educators will be better equipped to respond to the numerous challenges and decisions they face throughout the school year.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6320 The Inclusive School (3cr)
School leaders must create environments that are welcoming to all students and their families and that capitalize on the strengths students bring to the learning environment as well as address the needs of students. As the population of students in our schools has continued to become more diverse, building an inclusive environment in which all are valued and in which all student can succeed has become increasingly complex. Participants in this course will explore their values and beliefs as well as the dominant culture and prevailing belief systems present in the majority of today's public schools. Participants will learn about ways in which many students, their families, and their communities may differ from this dominant culture, and the possible effects of this mismatch. Through readings and interactive discussions, participants will examine ways to build a school culture that is inclusive for all students and their families. Participants will develop detailed plans of action to actively and meaningfully involve parents and community members in all aspects of the school.
Requirements:
M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl
EDUC.6421 Principles of Supervision (3cr)
This course is designed to help current and aspiring supervisors explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to instructional leadership and supervision. A paradigm shift away from an historical/traditional view of supervision towards a more collegial model is emphasized. Students will complete field work including two observations of a colleague and pre and post-lesson conferences.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6423 Program Evaluation (3cr)
Evaluation tasks will be identified and the policy issues attendant to evaluation will be examined. Students will identify and discuss several models of program evaluation, understand what needs to be considered and addressed in needs assessment, and learn to identify an appropriate design for a new evaluation. Students will be expected to conduct program evaluation, present their ideas and illustrate how evaluation results can be useful for program decision making.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6431 Principalship PK - 12 (3cr)
This course is designed to help aspiring principals explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to effective leadership. The course aims to acquaint students with research, theories,and frameworks from the knowledge base on school leadership; explore the issues,daily experiences, and decisions of the principal within the action context of the school; assist students to think critically and systematically about leadership; help students become more conscious of their own values,assumptions and purposes as school leaders; further develop leadership skills,insight,and vision for schooling; assist students to think of themselves as educators for transformation.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6580 Role of the Curriculum and Instructional Leader (3cr)
This course provides prospective leaders with the theoretical and empirical bases for understanding the instructional core and how to create the conditions needed for high quality teaching and learning to occur in their schools. Course participants will explore how to (i) establish a vision that promotes high standards for learning and is shared by all stakeholders; (ii) promote a positive school culture that is anchored in professional behavior and trusting relationships; (iii) promote effective instructional programs and the application of best practices to student learning; (iv) make decisions grounded in reliable data integrity, fairness, and ethical conduct.
Requirements:
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
EDUC.6900 Action Research (3cr)
Action Research is the culminating course for all students who are in the M.Ed program in Curriculum and Instruction, including those in PK-12 classroom settings, those who are in the Autism Studies program, educators who are not currently in a classroom, and those who are in informal educational settings. Educators in this course will apply knowledge that they have learned during their coursework to an action research project plan for a classroom or small group setting.
Requirements:
Matriculated in M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction degree program.