Home / Academics / Find a Program / Master of Arts in Educational Administration Program / Master of Arts in Educational Administration Program Course Requirements | Ursuline - Liberal Arts College in OH
This course introduces the prospective school administrator to the role of the principal. It examines the difference between management and leadership. The history of organizational development is traced. Various theories of leadership are reviewed with an emphasis on building collaborative capacity and leading change. The various skills of the principal are studied including information collection, judgment, interpersonal sensitivity, problem identification, decision-making, conflict resolution, plus relationship development and maintenance. The ELCC standards are discussed in detail. The important role of values in leadership is studied.
The differences between evaluation and supervision are clarified. Strategies for hiring, evaluating and assisting faculty and staff members are identified. Working with marginal teachers and staff members and the process of termination, if and when necessary, are discussed.
This is planned in-school experience involving participation, observation, and discussion of the role and tasks of a school administrator. The in-school experiences are developed around eight specific administrative competencies: 1) Institutional Philosophy and Mission; 2) School and Community Relations, including marketing; 3) Educational Leadership; 4) Curriculum and Instructional Leadership; 5) Personnel; 6) Pupil Services; 7) School Law; and 8) School Finance. Students work in their own school setting with their principal as well as with a mentor principal from another school. Class seminars emphasize the focus of each administrative competency as well as consensus building, time management, visibility, competence, role modeling, problem solving, trust building and judgment. The ELCC Standards for principals are introduced and studied.
The qualitative and quantitative methodologies and terminology of educational research are studied, along with evaluation and action research. Major emphasis is placed on developing a research proposal to conduct an individual action research project. The elements of the proposal include the identification of an action research topic; a review of the pertinent literature, both primary and secondary; the identification of a qualitative or quantitative research design; and a plan for the analysis of the data that will be gathered. Emphasis is placed on reading and interpreting present-day educational research that can be applied to the fields of administration, leadership, and curriculum and instruction
The survey of laws and court decisions affecting education and school operations from the viewpoint of the school principal and the school district are reviewed. Selected principles of constitutional, statutory, case and common law affecting schools and school personnel with special reference to Ohio school law are studied. Contract law is reviewed as it applies to nonpublic schools. The importance of applying laws and procedures fairly, wisely and considerately is emphasized.
Students develop a vision statement which commits the school and its services to total student learning and the highest possible standards of quality, productivity and continuous improvement. The knowledge, skills, attitudes and values of the educational administration program are synthesized. Covey?'s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People are studied in detail as a paradigm or model for personal and professional leadership. The habits of personal responsibility, personal mission statement, time and self- management, respecting differences and diversity, effective teamwork, and empathic listening and taking care of oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually enhance the basic code of ethics of the teaching and administrative profession. Students examine their own assumptions, beliefs and practices. Personal portfolio preparation, job search techniques, resume writing and interviewing skills are taught.
