School District Leadership, Advanced Certificate
Program Overview
The Advanced Certificate in School District Leader program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and certification to lead school districts in New York State. Through core courses, an internship, and a capstone, graduates develop expertise in administration, assessment, curriculum, and leadership qualities. The program prepares individuals for roles such as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Curriculum Director.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Advanced Certificate program in School District Leader (SDL) is designed to provide students with an intellectual environment that supports the refinement of existing knowledge and the acquisition of new knowledge, practices, and skills in the domains of administration, assessment, and curriculum. Through this innovative program, graduates can earn New York State certification to become school district leaders within central offices.
Objectives:
- Enhance understanding of the theoretical foundations of educational leadership and administration.
- Develop practical skills in the areas of curriculum development, assessment, and educational research.
- Gain expertise in the legal and ethical aspects of school administration.
- Foster leadership qualities such as vision, decision-making, and communication.
- Prepare graduates to assume leadership roles in school districts, including the central office.
Outline:
- Core Courses (27 Credits):
- Educational Governance and Policy Issues
- Leadership Values, Decision Making, and Multicultural Org
- Organization and Administration of the Elem. and Secondary School Curricula
- Educational Research and Data Analysis I
- Finance in Education
- School-Based Business Administration for Admin. & Supv.
- Legal Aspects of the Administration of Schools
- Leadership in Technology I
- Trends & Techniques in the Evaluation of Programs
- Internship (3 Credits):
- Internship Seminar in SDL
- Capstone Course (1 Credit):
- General Review and Exam Preparation: SDL
Assessment:
The program employs a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Coursework: Class participation, assignments, projects, and presentations.
- Exams: Mid-term and final exams to assess knowledge and understanding of course content.
- Internship: Evaluation of performance during the internship through observations, feedback, and a final report.
- Capstone Course: Comprehensive exam covering the core concepts and skills of the program.
Teaching:
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in educational leadership and administration. Teaching methods include:
- Interactive Lectures: Presentations of course material, followed by discussions and Q&A sessions.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios to apply theoretical concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
- Group Projects: Collaborative work on assignments to foster teamwork and communication.
- Online Learning: Some courses are offered online, allowing for flexibility and convenience.
Careers:
Graduates of the SDL program are prepared for a wide range of leadership roles in the field of education, including:
- School District Superintendent
- Assistant Superintendent
- Curriculum Director
- Assessment Director
- Supervisor of Instruction
- Principal (with additional certification)