Post Master’s Certificate in Education Leadership

In this course, students analyze the impact of change on the process of instruction and curriculum development. Effective teaching and learning strategies are explored as they relate to the use of technology, motivating faculty, staff, and students, and creating dynamic learning environments. Leading change in learning environments and also counterbalancing resistance to change for faculty, staff, and students are addressed. The importance of fostering faculty development and building professional learning communities are of special focus. Competency A: Examine the frameworks of change, current change theories, historical progression of change models, and influences on change within contemporary organizations Competency B: Analyze strategies that influence data-driven change processes within an educational organization. Competency C: Analyze curriculum structure, articulation, and alignment critically throughout the educational continuum. Competency D: Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in instructional programs for contemporary organizations. Competency E: Formulate change management plans to improve identified issues within curriculum.

In this course, students examine existing and emerging legal contexts that govern American education systems. Weekly topics provide a progressive exploration of foundational sources of law that impact education--from the Constitution of the United States to landmark legal cases--to affirm the legal rights and responsibilities of educators and students. Other course topics establish a platform to assess the legalities of educational governance and leadership in addition to emerging and contemporary legal issues. Course Competencies: Differentiate the legal aspects that govern the American educational system. Assess the legal implications that influence personnel management in education. Analyze the legalities that regulate the rights and responsibilities of educators and students. Evaluate laws and regulatory processes to address emerging issues and trends in education.

The principles and theories of the economics of education are examined. The role that federal, state, and local governments play in the economics of education is explored in-depth. Key topics include budget management, grants, financial aid, expenditures and revenues, and the rising cost of education. Economic policy analysis is a focus in this course. Competency A: Analyze the historical and theoretical foundations of financing education. Competency B: Evaluate sources of revenue and their influence on educational outcomes. Competency C: Distinguish capital and general expenditures of educational institutions. Competency D: Examine the role of ethics in making financial decisions for educational institutions. Competency E: Develop strategic approaches for presenting a budget.

Theories and models of leadership and adult learning are compared and applied to a variety of organizations, cultures, and work environments. The focus is on preparing educational leaders to enhance their leadership skills and styles to promote success in evolving organizations. Competency A: Analyze traditional and contemporary practices of educational leadership. Competency B: Examine the adaptability of theoretical leadership models in a variety of educational settings. Competency C: Analyze leadership strategies to motivate employees during times of organizational change. Competency D: Evaluate educational leadership strategies that align to organizational goals. Competency E: Develop a vision to promote organizational success.

This course explores the strengths and weaknesses of evaluation and assessment methods utilized in learning organizations. Accreditation issues, outcomes-based assessment, institutional research, and student and faculty evaluation are key topics. The influence of leadership styles on evaluation and assessment methods is also examined. Competency A: Examine the components of assessment and the roles assessments play in learning organizations. Competency B: Evaluate the purpose, strengths, and weaknesses of various assessment methods. Competency C: Analyze the reliability and validity of various assessment methods. Competency D: Interpret assessment results to make leadership decisions. Competency E: Utilize professional standards to align instruction, assessment, and evaluation.