Plan of Study – MS Educational Leadership**

A focus on the historical events, ideological controversies, and political and social forces that have shaped the American education system from the colonial period to the present. Designed to develop in educational leaders an understanding of the relationship between schooling and society.

A focus on the knowledge and skills needed by educators to understand, evaluate, and use research. Critical analysis of the major principles of teaching and classroom learning. Applying research skills to researching and critically analyzing recent trends and traditional theories in the field of education.

The design, implementation, and evaluation of typical data management activities at the building and school system levels. Attention is given to (1) teacher evaluation, (2) assessment of learning outcomes, (3) standards-based evaluation, (4) survey data collection and analysis, (5) technology-based strategies for disseminating findings, and (6) ethical considerations in data management.

An examination of multiple approaches to the study of educational organizations, emphasizing organizational theory applications to improve decision-making and organizational outcomes. Human behavior in educational organizations is analyzed in light of the moral and ethical dimensions of leadership education. The nature of organizations and the roles of personnel are examined with regard to the political climate, human resource legal requirements, professional development, and educator evaluation.

Emphasizes the knowledge needed by educational leaders to carry out professional responsibilities mindful of the legal and ethical implications of educational decisions. A study of educational policy and governance, the role of the governor, legislature, State Board of Education, boards, courts, and business/community organizations in determining educational policy; mechanisms for enforcing policy; the relation of fiscal resources to policy direction; major educational policy issues and decisions that have shaped the delivery of education; legal and ethical parameters of educational policy initiatives; student rights, legal status of teachers, administrators, boards of education, the State Tenure Act, and teacher certification. Examines how educational leaders can understand, respond to, and influence the larger political, social, economic, legal, ethical, and cultural context of education.

A synthesis of course work and professional experiences as students complete the educational leadership program. Examination of concepts and practices of educational leadership as a complex process. Topics are drawn from research and practice of successful school leadership and integrated with the program's course work. Emphasis is on knowledge, analysis, and application of effective leadership within the context of current State of Michigan and national ELCC standards.

The second course of a two-semester clinical experience designed to provide a substantial and sustained school-based educational leadership internship. The implementation and assessment phases of a school improvement projects focus on the range of administrative roles and areas of leadership addressed by the Michigan Standards for the Preparation of School Principals. Demonstration and documentation of significant knowledge, reflection, and performances of Michigan Standards 1-6. Prerequisite: EDU 6320.