To complete the program, the student must develop a master's leadership project designed to effect school change. This course provides an overview of the research methods and philosophy of practitioner self-study. EPSF 7120 Social and Cultural Foundations of Education Students analyze the roles of schools in the social order from the perspectives of the humanities and the social sciences. Students analyze philosophical, sociocultural, and historical forces and their implications for curriculum decision making. This is a basic course for graduate students including those from diverse backgrounds with a variety of career goals.
Students develop skills in collaborative thinking and working.
To effect school change effectively, teachers need to learn to identify resources in the community that can assist in the development of the school as a learning environment that creates and sustains excellence. On-site supervision of an approved educational activity designed to improve administrative performance is provided. Students learn through a participatory small-group experience. Major topics are leadership style, conflict resolution, use of power, planned change, and decision making. Master's Thesis Students earn credit for supervised development and preparation of the project or thesis.