There are 15 total credits required in order to complete the Post-Master's Advanced Certificate-School District Leader.
EDU 5700: Strategic Planning and Organizational Change (3 Credits)
Course Description This course will provide an in-depth analysis of issues related to organizational change and helps participants understand the nature of the applications of strategic planning theories in order to think, decide, and plan strategically. Participants will be guided in developing or sustaining and educational vision for the district. Strategic leadership and management requires the district leader to initiate and implement shared goals. Communicating, aligning the district's goals, understanding the theories and conflicts associated with large-scale organizational change, defining a plan for success, and nurturing the relationships with all the stakeholders are keys to successful planning. The analysis of a strategic plan, to understand the process for district wide change and accountability will be explored through team building, ethical decision making, communicating skills, and case studies.
EDU 5702: District Level Governance and Policy (3 Credits)
Course Description: A school district leader works with all the stakeholders of the school community: the board of education, school building leaders, teachers, staff, parents, and students. In addition, the district leader is responsible to ensure that laws and regulations of the local, state, and federal governance structures are in compliance. This course will be instrumental in guiding each participant to understand the roles and responsibilities of the district leader in the challenging environment of schools today. Through readings, research, cases studies and simulations participants will analyze issues revolving around school board relationships, policies in practice, change process, personnel management, finance, school safety and local, state and federal relationships. Participants will be given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills necessary to communicate the vision, analyze strategies necessary for establishing and promoting standards and expectations in order to engage all stakeholders, and to work through conflict and problems that arise.
EDU 5704: District Resources and Compliance Administration (3 Credits)
Course Description: The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of management and development of district resources and compliances in areas of personnel, plant facilities, supplies, equipment, finances, law, and government mandates. Management theory, collective bargaining, contract negotiations, group dynamics, team building, data analysis, and systems thinking will provide the baseline for understanding district-level management. Participants will develop an understanding of laws and regulations governing all areas of district capital and strategies for communicating effectively with organizations, the school community, and the broader local community.
EDU 5706: District Educational Programs: Administration and Supervision for Equity and Excellence (3 Credits)
Course Description: Student learning and success for all students is a responsibility of the district leader. Knowing and understanding the culture of the district, the implications of student differences, and the process of planning to meet the diverse needs within a district requires a leader who will encourage and support strategies that promote excellence. In this course students will focus on the complex issues district leaders face. District leaders needs to know how to secure and provide the necessary resources to support programs while creating a culture of learning that promotes equity and diversity. Gathering information, analyzing data, program analysis, allocating resources and providing professional support for administrators, teachers, and staff are components of successful educational programs. Case studies, readings, activities and research projects will help students gain practical, as well as theoretical, understandings of the responsibilities. The field experience includes experiences in districts serving students at different developmental levels and with a variety of characteristics and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a requirement of the course, a two-page summary outlining your field experience is required.
EDU 5708: Internship for School District Leaders (3 Credits)
Course Description: A 150-hour (with up to 60-80 hours embedded in other courses) field based Internship is to be completed in order to receive the Advanced Certificate. The Internship is a supervised hands-on experience focusing on leadership that includes experiences in districts serving students at different developmental levels and with a variety of characteristics and socioeconomic backgrounds. The Advanced Certificate is structured to connect leadership theory to practice. The Internship may begin after the successful completion of 50% of the courses in the Molloy School District Leader Advanced Certificate Program. A seminar experience will be part of the Internship.
