Program Design for Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership Principal, Director of Special Education and Superintendent licensures are accessible through the Specialist Degree. The programs are flexible, customized and relevant to current critical needs in Minnesota schools. “I was able to develop the skills I needed to be effective as a school leader and create a network to support me in the new challenges that arise on a daily basis. The professors have had in-thetrenches experience and are outstanding. The classes were conveniently located and I found the department to be flexible. “Minnesota State Mankato’s program is tremendous.” –Matt Hillman MS ’02, Specialist ’06, Entered Doctorate ‘09 Human Resources Director, Northfield Public Schools, Northfield, MN Course of Study for Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership Phase I – 9 Credits Page 1 of 4 Specialist Program Overview Revised 11/9/2009 EdLd 671 Introduction to School Administration – 3 credits Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting. This course is the first of three courses in Phase I of the Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership for licensure. This course will provide an overview of (1) the three phases of the Specialist Degree for licensure, (2) the portfolio process, including the collection of artifacts from authentic experiences and course work, (3) the development of a learning plan through a 360 assessment process. EdLd 672 Policy and Administration– 3 credits Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting. This course is the final course of the three courses in Phase I of the Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership for licensure. This course will provide an overview of (1) political influence and governance, (2) communication, (3) the importance of understanding public values and school policy, and (4) ten hours of practicum experience. EdLd 674 Supervision and Administration – 3 credits Course Description: The course, Theory and Supervision, examines the role of the school leader within the function of supervision and evaluation. Supervision models are presented; communication and human relations skills are emphasized. The course will provide opportunities to demonstrate entry-level supervisory and evaluative knowledge through activities, assignments, and class discussion; to engage in personal reflection relative to being an effective supervisor; and to examine the role and responsibility of an effective school administrator in the area of supervision and evaluation. Phase II – 12 Credits EdLd 673 Leadership of Special Programs – 3 credits Course Description: Leadership of Special Programs is designed to support aspiring school leaders in their ability to understand and acquire the necessary skills to be able to implement appropriate educational practices for special populations. Core areas of study will focus on leading programming and curriculum for students receiving special education, gifted and talented services, and English as a second language. The course will provide opportunities to demonstrate entry-level knowledge through a practicum, activities, assignments, and class discussion. We will examine research, policies and practices, curriculum, assessment and literacy development practices that result in high quality programming for students of special populations. EdLd 665 Legal Issues in Administration – 3 credits Course Description: Study basis for the course will be the U.S. Constitution, State Statutes and Laws, court decisions including U.S. Supreme, State Supreme and Circuit Courts. The impact of legal decisions on diverse racial and cultural populations will be studied. This course will provide opportunities to present and defend a legal brief, participate on a panel discussion involving legal issues in Pre-K-12 educational settings and role play situations involving every day legal issues in schools. EdLd 682 Seminar: Field Based Research – 3 credits Page 2 of 4 Specialist Program Overview Revised 11/9/2009 Course Description: Field Based Research is intended to aid students in the selection and development of a field study problem, the selection of the research design and the development of the instruments to be used in the study for data gathering purposes. EdLd 698 Internship in Administration – 3 credits Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting and is intended to provide authentic experience with the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator. Embedded in the course are the internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure, Minnesota Rule 3512. Phase III – 9 Credits EdLd 679 Advanced School Administration and Finance – 3 credits Course Description: In Advanced School Administration and Finance students are provided opportunities to demonstrate advanced-level knowledge of strategic planning, budgets, facility development, use of technology and master scheduling. We will examine the role and responsibilities of an effective school administrator in implementing policies and procedures for safe and secure educational environments. EdLd 698 Internship in Administration – 3 credits Course Description: This course is designed for aspiring educational leaders in a Pre-K-12 setting and is intended to provide authentic experience with the roles and responsibilities of a school administrator. Embedded in the course are the internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure, Minnesota Rule 3512. EdLd 670 Portfolio Review Course Description: The intent of the Portfolio Review is to provide the student of educational leadership with a focused opportunity to construct and present a professional portfolio that will ultimately lead to licensure as a K-12 Principal, Director of Special Education or Superintendent of Schools. Students will go through a process by which candidates’ document and present evidence of mastery of required competencies. Total Credits = 30 Additional Electives EdLd 684: Multicultural Leadership Course Description: This course will examine the role of school leaders in a multicultural inclusive learning environment. Means of developing inclusive learning environments will be presented. The course will provide opportunities for students to engage in a dialogue with leaders and read current literature on developing inclusive learning environments. Students will engage in personal reflection and examine the roles and responsibilities of school leaders in a changing demographic environment. Page 3 of 4 Specialist Program Overview Revised 11/9/2009 EdLd 635 Second Licensure Internship Course Description: This course is designed for those individuals who already have obtained one school administration license and are pursuing a second license. The course is intended to support authentic experiences for the student in the licensure area being pursued. Embedded in the course are the internship requirements for Minnesota state administrative licensure, Minnesota Rule 3512. Page 4 of 4 Specialist Program Overview Revised 11/9/2009