Graduate Course Descriptions

Study of administrators’ roles in decision making, evaluation, performance appraisal, school organization and operation, problem identification and resolution, goal setting, planning, as well as management team concepts. Examination of various experiences that affect both teacher and learner.

Examination of the personnel function in educational settings. Consideration of trends in staffing, recruitment, selection, assignment orientation, performance evaluation as well as grievances, labor relations, and negotiations.

Comprehensive study of school business management. This course is concerned with district-wide business administration policies and procedures essential to conservation and wise use of funds, facilities, equipment and people.

Emphasis on the application of organizational development practices related to educational settings. Focus on change theory and its implementation in schools.

Preparation of administrators to develop and use various oral and written communication skills needed to communicate with diverse groups found within the school environment. Theoretical and analytical foundation of communication on intergroup and interpersonal bases.

This course, aligned with the PA Leadership Core Standards and Corollary Standards and offered in an online environment, examines the historical antecedents of the political processes of education, as well as ways to improve the organization’s culture. The course focuses on the political, social, and economic realities in which the education system operates and considers research and theory which are directly related to issues of education and school reform.

This course provides doctoral students with a basic understanding and appreciation of the interaction of the PA School Code, PA School Law, School Policies, and landmark court decisions that have influenced the development of education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. (Prerequisite: EDL 625)

Analysis of various approaches to curriculum theory. Examination of the educational strengths and weaknesses of these theories as they are implemented in different school environments. Evaluation of the effectiveness of school curriculum programs. (Prerequisite: EDL 622)

Assistance for experienced educators in their effort to monitor and evaluate the implementation of curriculum improvement plans. (Prerequisite: EDL 622)

This course examines pupil personnel services in public and private schools. The focus includes the nature and development of programs to meet diverse student needs at the building and district levels along with discussions of current issues and trends. Central administration and school leadership must understand the broad and extensive services mandated by state and/or federal requirements and those that derive from student needs at the local level. These services strongly influenced by member constituents requires an evaluation and assessment of their worth and effectiveness in promoting effective learning environments and programs for students.