Graduate Course Descriptions

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.

This course, aligned with the PA Leadership Core Standards and Corollary Standards, examines the supervisory process as developmental, dynamic, and collegial to promote purposeful, important learning and teaching. Supervisory perspectives, skills, and authority are analyzed. Options for working with teachers in a learning community and for encouraging teacher leadership are included. Through research, problem-based learning, in-class scenarios, case studies, and discussion, the course will focus on leadership and the role of supervision in student achievement. (Prerequisite: EDL 623)

Focus on the process of growth and change in the adult and various ways of enabling individuals to gain professional competence. Includes skills needed in designing, implementing and evaluating staff development programs.

Study of the educational applications of available and developing technology for administrative, instructional, and research purposes within the school setting. The course presents knowledge and skills as they are related to administration, curriculum and the processes of teaching and learning.

Guidance of student efforts to translate theoretical constructions and research ideas into useful plans to be incorporated into the research proposal. Focus will be placed on developing effective APA writing skills as well as methods of defense of written plans. Course includes preparation for all aspects of the dissertation process. Grading is Pass or Fail. (Prerequisite: successful completion of required course work and comprehensive examination.)

Consideration of roles, relationships, and responsibilities of the school administrator and central office staff. Emphasis is placed on school district organization and governed relationship in federal and state government, administrative functions and the role of the school board. Includes also the role of the Intermediate Unit.

The Clinical Experience provides candidates for the Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility opportunities to integrate education theory and research with practical experiences in the school district. The candidate may accomplish this task through participation in work-site activities as well as through completion of assigned coursework research. The course includes 360 hours of field experience of which 180 may be accumulated prior to registering for the Clinical Experience. The focus of the Clinical Experience and coursework are directly aligned with the standards of the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership program.