ME School Leadership and Administration Courses

Program of Study

EA912 Introduction to Educational Leadership
2 credits
Course description
This course will introduce students to the Massachusetts Standards for school administrators, the
requirements of the WSU program; and, the theoretical underpinnings of educational leadership/
administration. Portfolio requirements will be outlined.

EA913 Action research for School Administrators
2 credits
Course description:
The course will focus on Qualitative/quantitative research whereby the students will learn to carry
out action research in their own school settings. Students will be conducting research as part of
their course/practicum requirements relative to: Standard 1-Instructional leadership; Standard 2 –
Management and Operations; Standard 3-Family and Community engagement; and, Standard 4-
Professional Culture throughout the program. How to write real case studies will also be addressed
as a way to do research.

EA918 Family and Community Engagement
3 credits
Course description:
Focus will be on ways to build strong working relationships and connections between families,
community providers, and schools. How to effectively communicate and learn from families from
diverse backgrounds and community members in order to promote student learning is emphasized.

EA950 (EL), EA951 (MS), EA952 (HS), or EA953 (supervisor/director)
Family and Community Practicum
Standard 3
75 clock hours = 1 credit
Practicum description:
The family and community engagement practicum is designed to prepare future administrative
leaders to interact more effectively with parents and community organizations in order to promote
the growth of ALL students within the school setting. Action research is part of the practicum.
Portfolio assessment #1 submitted for evaluation.

EA970 Professional Culture
3 credits
Course Description:
This course focuses on ways to promote success of all students by examining, nurturing, and
sustaining a school culture of reflective practice, high expectations, and ethical behavior. The
importance of developing a shared vision, strong interpersonal skills, and effective written and oral
communication in diverse environments are highlighted.

EA954 (EL), 955 (MS), 956 (HS), or 957 (Sup/dir.)
Professional Culture Practicum
Standard 4
75 clock hours = 1 credit
Practicum description: The professional culture practicum is designed to prepare future administrative
leaders to create and nurture a school culture that will promote the success of all students, set high
expectations, encourage continuous learning, model reflective practice, and nurture tolerance and
acceptance of all. The development of an achievable action plan is part of the practicum. Portfolio
assessment #2 submitted for evaluation.
Worcester State University
2013—2014 Graduate School Catalog
86

ES931 Leading an Effective English Learner Education Program
3 credits **
**Approved course as part of ELL program
(This may be substituted for another course with approval of coordinator if material covered in
district requirement.)

EA924 Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment for Aspiring Leaders
3 credits
Course Description:
This course seeks to engage aspiring leaders through a constructivist approach to teaching and
learning with a focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment (CIA) that can positively impact the
achievement of all students. CIA will be examined from a theoretical and practical perspective with
a focus on the administrator’s role in driving change that is grounded in research, data and equity
for all.

EA972 Enhancing Teacher and Student Performance
3 credits
Course Description
The major focus will be on supervision and evaluation practices that promote high standards,
reflection, and increasing student achievement. The course will provide the participants with the
necessary skills to hire and evaluate staff, promote improvement, and dismiss educators when
needed.

EA973 Building the Capacity for Educational Change
3 credits
Course Description:
Participants will examine the many variables that contribute towards realizing a school’s vision and
influencing student learning. The student will identify and analyze these variables using school,
family, and community data. Planning for implementing change is part of the focus.

EA 958(El), EA959 (MS), EA960(HS), or EA961 (Sup/dir.)
Instructional Leadership Practicum Standard 1
75 clock hours = 1 cr.
Practicum description:
The instructional leadership practicum is designed to prepare future
administrative leaders capable of promoting the growth of ALL students within the school setting by
establishing a shared vision, aligned curriculum, instruction that facilitates higher level thinking and
meets students’ diverse backgrounds. An action research project is part of the practicum. Portfolio
assessment #3 submitted for evaluation.

EA915 Economic and Operational Dimensions of Education
3 credits
Course description:
This course focuses on blending the skills required for effective resource allocation coupled with the
need to make practical and strategic decisions that promote student achievement in a safe/orderly
learning environment.

EA923 Governance, Ethics, and Law in Education
3 credits
Course description:
This course focuses on the myriad of legal, ethical, and mandated regulations that must be
considered in creating and operating a school system.
Worcester State University
2013—2014 Graduate School Catalog
87

EA 962 (El), 963 (MS), 964 (HS), or 965 (Sup/dir.)

Management and Operations Practicum Standard 2
(75 clock hours =1 credit)

Course Description: This practicum is designed to prepare future administrative leaders who can use
efficiently and effectively the resources available to promote a safe, ethical, and healthy environment
in which students and staff can learn and meet the expected goals established by the Department
of Education and local community. An action research component is part of the practicum. Portfolio
assessment #4 submitted for evaluation.

EA966 (EL), 967 (MS), 968 (HS), or 969 (Sup/Dir.)

Educational Leadership Capstone Practicum and Culminating Seminar
200 clock hours and
seminars = 3credits

Practicum description:
This capstone practicum of 200 clock hours will focus on strategies for overall school improvement
in the student’s educational community; and, will build off of action research conducted in the course
work/practicum completed for the four MA standards.
The three seminars attached to the practicum will be used to discuss issues and gain additional
insights from peers seeking the same license and their university coach/supervisor. Action research
activities that tie earlier research together are required.

EA929 Educational Leadership Capstone Assessment/Evaluation
1 credit
Course description:
This capstone assessment will be used to assess the student’s overall ability to meet the four
Massachusetts standards for school administrators. Submission of portfolio and presentation
demonstrating action research undertaken during the program will be part of the capstone
assessment process.

Total program = 36 credits