Certificate in Education Policy

Description

The Graduate Certificate in Education Policy is designed for educators and education professionals who are passionate about transforming schools, school systems, and educational programs. This graduate-level credential prepares education professionals for careers in school system administration, school districts, non-profit education, or federal and state agencies. It provides the grounding in political systems, education law, and education policies needed to critique current standards, tackle complex problems, and implement education policies and programs to support teachers and impact the future of education.

Gaining a certificate from an accredited university can not only advance one’s career but provide a pathway to earning a degree. All coursework can be transferred and applied towards a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (initial licensure program) at Trinity.

Courses are taught by faculty with extensive experience in education policy and are designed to provide the content knowledge and skills needed to take on leadership roles that include increased responsibilities in research, instructional design, and program evaluation. Trinity has small class sizes for individualized attention, and faculty teach foundational knowledge in an applied format, integrating students’ work and life experiences with the course information.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements (18 credits)

EDCC 600 Research in EducationExamines qualitative and quantitative educational research methodologies. Students learn to read, analyze, and interpret the current literature in teaching and learning. 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. The skills developed in this course will be important for the development of the capstone topic in the Capstone course. Candidates will be able to interact and share research ideas with the other candidates from the other education programs, such as Teacher Education. Formally titled, "Research in Education and Counseling"

3 credits
EDCI 505 Psychology of Children and Youth Facing PovertyProvides a diagnostic and descriptive profile of the impact that poverty in the United States has on psychology and emotional growth of children in general, and particularly children in the inner city and rural environment. Invited speakers broaden the scope of the course by sharing current trends, information, and programs. This course informs educators of the need for understanding and sensitivity and discusses program designs that offset environmental and social poverty.
3 credits
EDCI 611 Role of Social, Economic, and Political Systems in EducationExplores the issues related to diversity and equality in education. Stereotypes, biases, and prejudices in relation to power will be examined. Cultural attitudes, values, customs, worldview, spirituality, and learning styles will be addressed. Concrete activities for developing an appreciation of self and sensitivity to others will be introduced. Curriculum and pedagogy for diverse groups will be addressed.
3 credits
EDCI 612 Conflict Management and ResolutionExplores conflict and interpersonal violence and its repercussions, emphasizing communication skills and techniques that effectively, appropriately and respectfully convey feelings and emotions in creative conflict resolution. Presents varied conflict management programs and models for educators, such as restorative justice, strength-based/peacemaking initiatives, and programs to address harassment and bullying. Also explores historical examples of effective peacemaking and conflict resolution.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
EDCI 656 Principles of Educational Assessment and EvaluationThis course examines policy issues in education and how this affects assessment practice. Students will develop professional assessment skills, including instrument design and consultation, through applied projects and experiences. In addition, students will develop, select, and critique education assessment instruments and identify the appropriate measurement tools and statistical analyses needed for common assessment situations.
3 credits
EDCI 657 Education Law & PolicyThis course examines the legal basis of education and public schools in the United States. Constitutional provisions and federal statutes that guide school law. It considers the legal factors that influence school policy. Practical school situations for legal implications, development of skills to research legal issues affecting schools, and preventive law measures will be studied.
3 credits

Program Policies

Transfer Credit Policy: Transfer credits may be accepted for a post-baccalaureate certificate program if they meet the student’s planned degree program just as they are for graduate degree programs. Students may transfer up to six total credits in alignment with the certificate curriculum. All other Trinity transfer credit policies apply.

Stackable Credentials: Trinity certificate courses may be applied to degree programs depending on the graduate degree program. Students enrolled in degree programs at Trinity may simultaneously pursue a certificate and these courses will count toward both credentials.

Academic Standing: Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the post-baccalaureate certificate program and may count no more than one course in which a “C” was earned toward the post-baccalaureate certificate. Courses in the certificate programs are repeatable. Satisfactory academic progress is a criterion for the award of financial aid. Students not making academic progress will be referred to their academic advisor for academic counseling. All other Trinity academic policies and procedures apply to certificate courses.