School Administration/Leadership Course Descriptions

Unless otherwise noted, all courses are three credits

EDUC5107 Leadership I: The Administrator as Manager

This course examines the roles and responsibilities of the principal from a theoretical and practical perspective. Issues such as site-based management, community relations, facilities management, communication and supervision are addressed. Using case studies and other materials, students develop problem solving skills and techniques.

EDUC5115 Educational Testing and Assessment

Students examine a variety of standardized measurement and assessment instruments and diagnostic techniques with specific emphasis on test construction, appropriate selection, administration, interpretation and use of results to modify instructional strategies. Through observations, demonstrations, models and class exercises students gain skills in constructing their own measurement instruments as well as using alternative forms of assessment such as portfolios, performance and demonstrations. Current issues regarding state and national testing are also discussed.

EDUC5503 Ethical and Professional Leadership

Educational leaders face ethical issues in the classroom and school setting. Through readings, discussion and analysis of case studies, students will reflect upon leadership styles. Issues of vision, influence, empowerment and inspiration will be addressed and students will develop competencies and strategies to confront and deal with ethical challenges. EDUC5601 Budget and Fiscal Management in Schools* This course presents an overview of sound fiscal management in the public and nonpublic school setting. Sources of revenue, budget preparation, allocation of resources, fiscal responsibility and ethical considerations are examined. Students develop practical budgeting and accounting techniques and financial assessment skills using spreadsheets.
Pre-practicum field-based experience is required.

EDUC5603 Leadership II: The Administrator as Instructional Leader*

This course examines curriculum theory, models of curriculum design and the evaluation of curriculum for school and instructional improvement with an emphasis on the state curriculum frameworks. Major topics addressed are curriculum alignment, assessment, instructional planning and professional development. Emphasis is on the leadership role of the principal in shaping the instructional program of the school, setting clear and measurable goals for students.
Pre-practicum field-based experience is required.

EDUC5601 Budget and Fiscal Management in Schools *

This course will provide students with the background and practical skills for developing and managing a school budget. Students will examine basic principles of financing public and non-public schools including alternative funding sources and issues relate to equity and adequacy in school funding. Students will develop skills using technology as a tool for budget development and management. Course content, activities and assignments align with 603 CMR 7.10 Professional Standards for Administrators issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Pre-practicum field based experience is required to fulfill Massachusetts Department of Education regulations for the Principal/ Asst. Principal license.  
Pre-practicum field-based experience is required.

EDUC5605 Community Relations in Education

This course explores the historical role of the community in the education process and examines how the school has served as the principal agent for preserving and transmitting the values, ideology, technical knowledge and skills of the community. This course focuses on understanding the process of community-school change and identifying those elements that help to achieve equitable working relationships between the school and the community such as the process of school-community team building, developing consensus for decision making, group identification and group problem solving.

EDUC5607 Legal Issues in School Administration

This course is a study of the federal, state and local laws, and court rulings that have had an impact both on the public and private schools of Massachusetts. Although private school issues are discussed, this course is designed to introduce students to the legal aspects of public education in a K-12 school system. The course examines current legal issues and introduces students to legal reasoning and legal analysis. Particular attention is paid to school law as public policy and an analysis of same. This class is intended for school administrators and prospective school administrators-nevertheless, classroom teachers will find the course of high interest and highly informative. This course looks at the legal rights; duties, responsibilities and liabilities of all who work in the schools in Massachusetts. The course begins with an overview of the federal and state court system. It then moves rapidly into: teacher supervision and contracts, labor relations, collective bargaining, negligence and liability, student and teacher discipline/codes of conduct, legal relationships with parents, and finishes with special education law. Many educational case studies are used to demonstrate and exemplify legal precedents at the federal, state and local level. Students will develop an ability to analyze these case studies with regard to the public policy, legal and ethical questions.

EDUC5611 Selection, Supervision, Evaluation and Development of School Personnel*

This course encompasses the many facets of the principal's role in personnel management within the school. It includes the recruitment and selection of professional and non-professional staff, professional development, techniques for supervision and evaluation, mentoring new teachers and collective bargaining. Pertinent state and federal laws and regulations are examined. Case studies and simulations offer practical strategies for addressing personnel issues.
Pre-practicum field-based experience is required.

EDUC5621 Trends in the Development of Education

This course is a comprehensive overview of the historical and philosophical founda tions of American education. It traces the fundamental western concept of the educated person and the liberal arts in their basic variations, from its origins with the Greeks to the creative ambiguities of modern day. Students investigate the relationship between education and the liberal arts, as well as the cultural forces influencing modern education and school reform.

EDUC5666 Practicum/lnternship: School Administration I
EDUC5667 Practicum/lnternship: School Administration II

This practicum/internship experience is scheduled for advanced graduate students within the Master of Education in School Administration program. An on-site practical school administration experience is provided as well as related seminar sessions. The experience is reserved for students who are able to assume administrative responsibilities on a part-time basis. Seminar sessions provide a support system for participants and are devoted to problem solving and discussing current issues and concerns in school administration.

EDUC5701 Technology Integration for Educators

This course assists educators to become technologically proficient using current and emergent technologies. Topics covered encompass aspects of technology planning, online learning, learning webs, program evaluation as well as social issues relating to technology integration and change. Participants learn the roles and responsibilities of various technology leaders and utilize an array of technology applications to enhance classroom instructions, motivate learners, and connect home and school.