Instructional Leadership

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership program equips educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead and manage educational institutions. Through a collaborative learning environment, participants explore curriculum development, educational policy, leadership theory, and instructional technology. The program offers two concentrations: Educational Studies and Policy Studies, preparing graduates for careers in school administration, curriculum specialization, and educational policy analysis.

Program Outline

Master of Education in Instructional Leadership

Degree Overview:

This degree aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and manage educational institutions and programs. Participants explore a range of topics, including curriculum development, educational policy, leadership theory, instructional technology, and assessment. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment where participants engage in critical discussions, apply theoretical frameworks to real-world scenarios, and develop practical leadership skills.

Objectives:

• Equip educators with a deep understanding of educational leadership theories and practices.
• Develop skills in curriculum design, implementation, and assessment.
• Enhance participants' ability to lead and manage educational change initiatives.
• Prepare individuals to assume leadership roles in various educational settings.

Program Description:

The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership program consists of a total of 33 credit hours, typically completed within four semesters (fall, spring, summer). Students can choose one of two concentrations:

• Educational Studies: focuses on curriculum development, educational policy, and the foundations of education.
• Policy Studies: explores educational policy issues at the local, state, and national levels, with an emphasis on the political economy of education and social justice.
Students complete coursework in areas such as:
• Leading educational change
• Curriculum design and assessment
• Instructional technology
• Educational leadership theories and practices
• Educational policy analysis
• School finance and budgeting
• School law
• Human resource development
The program culminates in a capstone project where students apply their learning to a real-world problem or issue in education.

Outline:

Curriculum:

The Master of Education in Instructional Leadership program includes the following core courses and concentration-specific coursework.

Core Courses (12 credit hours):

• EDPS 510: Introduction to Doctoral Education in Policy Studies
• EDPS 511: Introduction to Academic Writing in Educational Policy Studies
• EDPS 512: Data and Interpretation in Educational Policy Studies
• EDPS 515: Urban Higher Education Organization and Context
• EDPS 520: The City as Campus: Community Engagement and Interaction

Concentration Courses (21 credit hours):

Educational Studies:

• CI 500: Proseminar in Curriculum and Instruction
• CI 503: English Language Arts and Instruction in the Elementary School
• CI 504: Secondary Literacy
• CI 507: Teaching and Learning Mathematics in the Elementary School
• CI 508: Teaching and Learning Science in the Elementary School
• CI 509: Literacies and Language Instruction and Assessment for Young Children
• CI 525: Assessment and Instruction for Struggling Readers, K-12, Part 1
• CI 526: Assessment and Instruction for Struggling Readers, K-12, Part 2

Policy Studies:

• EDPS 530: Seminar: Urban Higher Education in the 21st Century: Ideas and Opportunities
• EDPS 550: Improving Education Organizations
• EDPS 551: Cycles of Inquiry for Improving Schools
• EDPS 552: Leading Urban Schools
• EDPS 553: Leading Urban School Systems
• EDPS 555: Political Economy of Urban Education
• EDPS 566: Cultural Studies in Education
• EDPS 571: The Education Policy Process

Additional Requirements:

• Internship in Urban Higher Education (3 credit hours)
• Professional Career Training in Education Policy Studies (1-4 credit hours)

Assessment:

Assessment methods and criteria will vary depending on individual courses, but may include a combination of the following:

• Examinations (midterm and final)
• Quizzes and assignments
• Class participation and discussions
• Presentations
• Projects
• Capstone project
The program emphasizes application-oriented learning, so assessments may involve real-world problem-solving and practical solutions.

Teaching:

Instructional methods will vary depending on individual faculty members and courses, but may include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Guest speakers
• Field trips
The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and peer interaction. Faculty members are experienced researchers and practitioners in the field of education, bringing diverse expertise and perspectives to the program.

Careers:

Graduates of the Master of Education in Instructional Leadership program are prepared for various careers in the education sector, including:

• School administrator
• Curriculum specialist
• Educational consultant
• Policy analyst
• Higher education administrator
• Teacher leader
• Research assistant
The program emphasizes developing skills and knowledge applicable to diverse educational settings, including urban schools.

Other:

• The program is designed for working professionals and offers flexible course schedules to accommodate their needs.
• Students have opportunities to network with peers, faculty, and professionals in the field through various program events and activities.
• The program offers opportunities for research and scholarly engagement, allowing participants to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.