Simmons School of Education and Human Development - Department of Education Policy and Leadership

Simmons School of Education and Human Development Graduate Catalog Contents
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Distinguished Professor G. Reid Lyon, Department Chair

Professor: David J. Chard. Associate Professor: Leanne Ketterlin Geller. Senior Lecturer: Lee Alvoid. Lecturer: Gail Hartin.

Established in 2008, the Department of Education Policy and Leadership focuses on preparing educators for leadership roles in complex school settings. Coursework and systematic applications of knowledge are designed to ensure that the education leaders of tomorrow acquire expertise in developing and supporting effective teachers and other education service providers; selecting and implementing effective curricula and instructional programs; and identifying, implementing and sustaining effective organizational practices to ensure high levels of student learning and achievement. The department is also dedicated to the preparation and continued education of education policy leaders. The department seeks to improve the quality and rigor of education policy research, policy development and policy analysis and to encourage and facilitate the translation of research into policy and practice at the local, state, national and international levels.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

The Master’s degree in educational leadership is designed to prepare educators for leadership positions in Early Childhood through grade 12 schools, including public, charter, private, secular and religious schools. Through study and research in the areas of organizational leadership, academic leadership and teacher effectiveness, graduates of the program will be well prepared to develop and support effective teachers; select and implement effective curricula and instructional programs; and identify, implement and sustain effective organizational practices. The Master of Education in educational leadership curriculum is designed in accordance with certification requirements established by the state of Texas and is consistent with national standards and empirical evidence on effective school leadership knowledge and skills.

To this end, the program will have the following unique features: a comprehensive academic leadership component that comprises five courses focused on the core domains of instruction (including mathematics, literacy, science, social studies and world languages) as well as special programs such as fine arts and special education, field-based projects (internship experiences) integrated throughout the program, projects that mirror the cycle of a typical school year, a quarter system that enables students to complete the M.Ed. program in one calendar year as part of a cohort, and attention given to ensuring that all graduates have the knowledge and skills to evaluate the effectiveness of their leadership on the schools in which they serve.

Program Structure
This 45-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals and can be completed within one year. Students begin the program in the fall as part of a cohort, taking courses in a prescribed sequence through two seven-week modules offered during the fall, two seven-week modules offered during the spring and two five-week modules offered during the summer.

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Educational Leadership Courses

 EDU 6140. Instructional Leadership Development/Professional Development Appraisal System. (one hour) This one-hour seminar is a required training for Texas Principal Certification. The seminar will be conducted by certified trainers from the Region 10 Educational Service Center.

EDU 6240. Organizational Leadership: Values and Ethics of Leadership. (two hours) This course focuses on the legal and policy issues critical to effective school leadership. Topics include compliance, equity, code of ethics and the development, communication and implementation of effective policy.

EDU 6241. Organizational Leadership: Organizational Behavior. (two hours) This course is a study of behavior in school organizations. Topics include leader, teacher and student perceptions, attitudes, motivation, goal-setting, program implementation, influence and leadership.

EDU 6242. Academic Leadership: Literacy and Language Arts. (two hours) This course addresses trends and issues impacting instructional programs in literacy and language arts. Topics include program development, evaluation, compliance issues and implications for budget, facilities and staffing.

EDU 6243. Field Studies 1. (two hours) Field studies courses include internship activities directly aligned to the coursework in each module of the program. Field studies projects will be part of a summative portfolio assessment.

EDU 6244. Organizational Leadership: Organizational Leadership. (two hours) This course focuses on campus planning, goal-setting, and consensus-building and resource allocation to promote student achievement. Topics include data-based decision-making tools, conflict resolution, and implementing and sustaining change.

EDU 6245. Organizational Leadership: Leading Organizational Change. (two hours) This course focuses on practical models and change tactics that leaders can use to make their schools more effective. Students will learn to recognize and address potential barriers to implementing change.

EDU 6246. Academic Leadership: Mathematics and Science. (two hours) This course addresses trends and issues impacting instructional programs in math and science. Topics include program development, evaluation, compliance issues and implications for budget, facilities and staffing.

EDU 6247. Field Studies 2. (two hours) Field studies courses include internship activities directly aligned to the coursework in each module of the program. Field studies projects will be part of a summative portfolio assessment.

EDU 6248. Academic Leadership: World Languages and Social Sciences. (two hours) This course addresses trends and issues impacting instructional programs in world languages and social studies. Topics include program development, evaluation, compliance issues and implications for budget, facilities and staffing.

EDU 6249. Academic Leadership: Fine Arts /Physical Education/Career and Technology Education. (two hours) This course addresses trends and issues impacting instructional programs for the arts, physical education, and career and technology education. Topics include program development; evaluation; compliance issues; and implications for budget, facilities and staffing.

EDU 6250. Teacher Effectiveness: Leader Coaching Development. (two hours) This course consists of evaluating criteria for measuring team effectiveness, examining team developmental cycles, design of feedback systems and effective communication technology.

EDU 6251. Field Studies 3. (two hours) Field studies courses include internship activities directly aligned to the coursework in each module of the program. Field studies projects will be part of a summative portfolio assessment.

EDU 6252. Academic Leadership: Special Populations. (two hours) This course addresses trends and issues impacting instructional programs for special populations. Topics include program development, evaluation, compliance issues and implications for budget, facilities and staffing.

EDU 6253. Teacher Effectiveness: Personal and Professional Development. (two hours) This course will focus on selection, development, supervision and retention of effective teachers. Topics include effective professional development models, teacher leadership roles and equitable personnel policies and procedures.

EDU 6254. Teacher Effectiveness: Student Services. (two hours) This course will assist candidates in understanding how school discipline, campus safety and crisis management support learning. Data from student services such as counseling, cocurricular activities, and social and health services will be analyzed.

EDU 6255. Field Studies 4. (two hours) Field studies courses include internship activities directly aligned to the coursework in each module of the program. Field studies projects will be part of a summative portfolio assessment.

EDU 6391. Organizational Leadership: Collaborative Leadership. (three hours) This course will focus on strategies to engage families and communities in campus improvement. Candidates review how other governmental entities and business partners can promote student achievement.

EDU 6392. Field Studies 5. (three hours) Field studies courses include internship activities directly aligned to the coursework in each module of the program. Field studies projects will be part of a summative portfolio assessment.

EDU 6393, 6394. Portfolio Seminar. (six hours) Final portfolio development value added project presentations will take place in this seminar. Participants include the advising professor, clinical faculty and school-based mentors.

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