Educational Administration (M.S.A.)
Faculty
Dr. Gladys Williams, Educational Administration Program Director
Description
The graduate program in educational administration offers a Master of Science in Administration degree (M.S.A.) to students who successfully complete the 36-credit hour degree program designed to prepare them for administrative leadership positions in educational settings. This two-year cohort program meets one weekend a month for twenty months. The program consists of core requirements (30 credits) and a required 2-year internship and final project with an accompanying seminar (6 credits). Course syllabi and classroom activities reflect the curriculum guidelines of the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and prepare students to take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) licensure exam, which is required of all new school principals in both the District of Columbia and Maryland.
The Educational Administration Program is nationally recognized by NCATE; it is state approved and fulfills the requirements for the Administrative Services Credential in the District of Columbia. The program reflects the contemporary emphasis on data driven decision making and focuses on skills in data analysis, strategic planning and collaborative problem solving. Students learn to evaluate instruction and to develop strategies to assist teachers with instructional techniques that lead to improved levels of student achievement.
Degree Requirements
Core Requirements (30 credits)
ALL of the following courses:
- EDCC 601 Transition to Graduate School SeminarNon-credit seminar for students in their first semester of any School of Education graduate program. Information will be provided to students on general education, certification and graduation requirements. Surveys and writing samples that are data requirements for accreditation of the department will be gathered. Academic policies, APA writing style requirements and university-provided resources will be reviewed.
0 credits
- EDAD 599 Research in EducationExamines current trends in qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching, student learning, and school administration. Topics include defining the research process, writing a review of the literature, exploring methods of gathering quantitative and qualitative data, developing a research design, and examining ethical issues related to the research process. Students will review and analyze research relevant to school administration.
3 credits
- EDAD 601 Leadership, Management, and SupervisionFocuses on theories of leadership and supervision and how these theories impact on effective school administration and effective teacher supervision. Emphasizes the human dynamic as it affects the organization and administration of a school. Students examine current theories of leadership, motivation, management, performance appraisal, and evaluation, and they apply these theories to current school issues. Students develop a personal philosophy of leadership and supervision. Formerly ADM 610
3 credits
- EDAD 602 Technology and SystemsExamines the national standards for integrating technology into a school and/or district. Theories and current research in technology integration will be included in reading assignments and discussions. Students will have experience using computer applications that support management and operational functions necessary in a school setting. Students will complete journal writing and group activities that promote problem solving from the school administrator's perspective. Students will be provided with a process for assessing the technological needs of a school and aligning school resources with these assessed needs. As a Final Project, students will develop a comprehensive technology plan that addresses the use of technology to support the management and instructional goals of the school.
3 credits
- EDAD 604 Staff and Group DevelopmentProvides students with opportunities to employ strategies and skills to assist in the design of a personal development plan. Students will be able to articulate the role of professional development, professional learning communities and collaborative instructional planning in effective schools. Students will be able to analyze and evaluate the dynamics related to instructional leadership in a school environment.
3 credits
- EDAD 605 Curriculum and Program DevelopmentReviews historical and current approaches to curriculum development and implementation. Topics include competency-based learning, authentic assessment, curriculum design, and program evaluation. Students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be effective instructional leaders.
3 credits
- EDAD 607 Cultural DiversityExamines the effects of diversity and multiculturalism on society. International and economic issues are explored to help students broaden their knowledge of the complexities and interdependence of contemporary schools. Students study cross-cultural communications while developing the skills to accommodate specific needs that arise in culturally diverse environments.
3 credits
- EDAD 608 Teaching and Learning for School LeadersProvides students with the skills and knowledge needed to be effective instructional leaders. Course focuses on the study of relationships among theories of teaching and learning, the art and science of instructional leadership, and the exploration of how theories and research can be applied in the classroom. The course will examine various dimensions of the adult learner, as well as school students -- their intellectual and personal development, individual differences, ways of teaching, and motivation to learn. Students will review historical and current approaches to teacher supervision, staff development, conferencing and brain-based learning. Topics include visioneering, brain-based research, marginal teacher improvement and assessments. Students will be required to develop a school vision that is designed to create and sustain a positive school culture that values diversity and promotes excellence in alignment with its vision.
3 credits
- EDAD 633 Financial and Resource ManagementPrepares students to manage the monetary funds and resources necessary to create and maintain a successful learning environment. Students will gain a working knowledge of school finances - from day-to-day accounting procedures to the principles behind state-aid formulas. Students will also explore issues in school facilities management, insurance and risk management, and human resources management.
3 credits
- EDAD 634 Legal and Ethical Issues in School AdministrationIdentifies the legal and ethical issues related to the operation of a school. Students will examine legal issues in the relationship between schools and students, parents, staff and the larger community with a particular focus on federal and state laws and court decisions. Students will also explore ethical concepts and develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to resolve the ethical dilemmas the will encounter as school administrators.
3 credits
Field Experience (6 credits)
BOTH of the following courses:
- EDAD 625 Internship in Administration IProvides students with practical experience in a supervised environment and with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in core content courses and classes in the student's specialization. An on-site mentor serves as the field supervisor, and a faculty member oversees the 120-hour intern field experience. Regularly scheduled seminars are held on campus to provide support and a forum for collaboration and discussion about the field experiences. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
1 credit, 2 credits, and 3 credits respectively (students take course either as 1 credit/2 credit sequence or as single 3 credit course) and EDAD 626 Internship in Administration IIProvides students with practical experience in a supervised environment and with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in core content courses and classes in the student's specialization. An on-site mentor serves as the field supervisor, and a faculty member oversees the 120-hour intern field experience. Reguarly scheduled seminars are held on campus to provide support and a forum for collaboration and discussion about the field experience. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
1 credit, 2 credits, and 3 credits respectively (students take course either as 1 credit/2 credit sequence or as single 3 credit course)
or
EDAD 640 Internship in AdministrationProvides students with practical experience in a supervised environment and with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in core content courses and classes in the student's specialization. An on-site mentor serves as the field supervisor, and a faculty member oversees the 120-hour intern field experience. Regularly scheduled seminars are held on campus to provide support and a forum for collaboration and discussion about the field experiences. A grade of B of or higher is required to advance.
Credits: 3
- EDAD 627 Internship in Administration IIIProvides students with an opportunity to bring together all skills and knowledge acquired during the program in a culminating scholarly experience. In consultation with the program director, each student conducts an individualized final project appropriate to her/his specialization.
Formerly EDAD 627 - Final Project in Educational Administration. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
1 credit, 2 credits, and 3 credits respectively (students take course either as 1 credit/2 credit sequence or as single 3 credit course) and EDAD 628 Internship in Administration IVProvides students with an opportunity to bring together all skills and knowledge acquired during the program in a culminating scholarly experience. In consultation with the program director, each student conducts an individualized final project appropriate to her/his specialization.
Formerly EDAD 628 - Final Project in Education Administration. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
1 credit, 2 credits, and 3 credits respectively (students take course either as 1 credit/2 credit sequence or as single 3 credit course)
or
EDAD 600 Final Project in Educational AdministrationProvides students with an opportunity to bring together all skills and knowledge acquired during the program in a culminating scholarly experience. In consultation with the program director, each student conducts an individualized final project appropriate to her/his specialization. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits