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. Focus on effective writing for research publications for professional and public audiences, including the Master's Leadership Project, as well as a component that concentrates on developing presentation skills useful in disseminating research results and best practices. 7360 Technology for Educators Teachers learn to evaluate, select, and integrate technology in the classroom. Study goes beyond the basic use of computer programs and instead focuses on a systematic process for using new technologies to enhance learning.