MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (MSE):  EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Mission
The HSU Educational Leadership programs for building level and district level administrators seek to empower school leaders to work collaboratively with diverse populations including community, civic organizations, business, media, teachers and students. These various leadership programs are designed to improve the leaders’ skills in impacting student achievement and the quality of life for students through excellence in teaching, learning, service, technology and leadership.

Vision
The HSU Master of Science (M.S.E.) and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) as well as building level and curriculum program administrator and ED.S. programs of study, through continuous commitment to exemplary teaching, leadership, research and service, produce effective educational building and district-level leaders dedicated to education and outstanding candidate performance. Academic standards are evident in each program component and highly qualified professors of educational leadership facilitate the learning process.  The admissions procedure requires the candidate to carefully defend his or her desire to be a school leader as well as to examine personal motivations and potential through a written and oral application process.  The programs are standards, as well as research, driven and delivered through courses aligned to the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and the Educational Leaders Licensure Consortium (ELLC).  Individual accountability and interpersonal relationships are both important program components.  Maximum public school involvement is essential, as evidenced through the internship and mentorship experiences. The exit process allows the candidate to demonstrate learning competencies in each of the standards through the written and oral defense of an extensive program portfolio.

Beliefs
We believe that the educational leadership program

•        recruits and utilizes instructors who are academic leaders;
•        creates a climate conducive to  learning and a culture of collaborative ownership;
•        models research-based practice;
•        requires dedication to program vision, mission and lifelong learning;
•        admits qualified prospective leaders who are committed to task; and
•        seeks active partnerships to provide realistic teaching and learning.

Purpose
The HSU Master of Science in Education (MSE) program in educational leadership (EDL) or the building level leader program of study is recognized as exemplary and meets all standards set by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and the Educational Leaders Licensure Consortium (ELCC).  ELCC approved the HSU M.S.E. Degree Program in Educational Leadership on December 14, 2003, with a commendation to the department.  Graduates continue to give outstanding praise to this preparation program and representatives aid HSU in continual evaluation and upgrading of program components in order to meet the needs of Arkansas building level leaders.  The HSU program in educational leadership is positioned to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills required for successful leadership.

Program Goals and Outcomes
The graduate program in educational leadership is made up of courses that assist individuals in obtaining the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed in carrying out the essential role of instructional leadership in public school settings.  Six (6) goals and accompanying objectives form the foundation for the HSU Programs in Educational Leadership. These goals and objectives are found throughout the program of study and woven across the required curriculum. These goals and objectives provide the common base of knowledge as defined by the learned societies of this profession.

Program Goals:

            Educational leaders must:

1. envision the achievement of all students.
2. monitor and continuously improve teaching and learning.
3. Manage organizational systems and resources for a safe, learning environment.
4. Collaborate with families and stakeholders who represent diverse community interests and needs and mobilize community resources that improve teaching and learning.
5. Be ethical and act with integrity at all times.
6. Influence the interrelated systems of political, social, economic, legal, and cultural contexts affecting education and be advocates for their teachers’ and students’ needs.

Learner Outcomes for the Program Goals

             After completing the program the students should be able to:

1. Develop a “vision plan” that insures the achievement of all students in their schools.
2. Analyze data and create a professional development and school improvement plan to address areas of needs in their schools.
3. Develop a budget.
4. Develop a culture audit.
5. Review and/or develop school policy on the Arkansas Code of Ethics.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and ways to impact legislation and steps to advocate for their districts’ needs.

 

Admission policy and procedures
The following are required for admission:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Possession of a standard teacher's license.
3. Three years of experience as a licensed public school classroom teacher at the desired level of administrative licensure is recommended. Four years of teaching experience (three of five in the area or level at which administrative licensure is required for licensure).
4. An overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.70 (2.5 conditional)
5. Submission of the following to the Dean of the Graduate School:

The Dean of the Graduate School reviews submitted materials for completeness and sends a status letter to the candidate with a copy to the Chairman of the Educational Leadership program.

An interview with an admission committee composed of three faculty and administrators from HSU. The candidate's written essay, philosophy of teaching and leadership, letters of recommendation, current resume, and transcripts will be presented and discussed during the interview. The candidate will be notified in writing of acceptance into the MSE in Educational Leadership program.

Following the interview process, the  Chairman will notify the Graduate Dean of the candidate's status and, if successful, will recommend advisor.

The Graduate Dean will notify the candidate in writing of his/her status and, if successful, assign advisor.

EXIT EVALUATION PROCEDURES:

1. The Exit Evaluation Committee is composed of the faculty advisor serving as chair of the committee, one faculty member from the Educational Leadership program, one external evaluator, the candidate’s mentor, and one person of the candidate's choice who holds a valid teaching license.
2. The Exit Evaluation Committee will use a rubric to evaluate the candidate’s electronic exit portfolio as the candidate presents the portfolio. (See portfolio section below).
3. The faculty advisor will send to the candidate, Chairman of the Educational Leadership Program, and the Dean of the Graduate School a letter indicating successful completion of the program of study, portfolio defense and internship along with summaries of the Exit Evaluation Committee members’ comments.  This information will be placed in the candidate’s Graduate School file.

Masters of Science in Education Degree (MSE) - 30 hours

The MSE in Educational Leadership consists of 30 credit hours. All courses address particular competencies required by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC), National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE).

Courses Required for the MSE Degree

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total 30 hours

 

Building Level Program of Study - 24 Hours

Candidate must enter with a Masters Degree

Courses Required for the Building Level Program of Study

 

 

 

 

 

Total 24 Hours

Curriculum Program Administrator Program of Study - 30 Hours

Arkansas Curriculum Program Administrator Licensure

The Curriculum/Program Administrator is defined by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) as an individual that is responsible for: (1) program development and administration, and/or; (2) employment evaluation decisions. Requirements for the Curriculum/Program Administrator license may be accomplished with a program of study in educational leadership. The license is granted by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) to the candidate to administer only in of the following specialty areas: Special Education; Gifted and Talented Education; Vocational Education; Content Area Specialist; and Curriculum Specialist. Enrollment for this licensure requires a master’s degree or current standard teaching licensure in the area of specialization.  The internship must be completed in the specialty area and identified on his/her teaching license.

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Curriculum/Program Administrator Licensure program of study, the candidate must complete the application process for admission to the HSU Graduate School, which includes documentation of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, a current resume, three (3) letters of recommendation with documentation of communication and leadership skills, written essay addressing autobiographical information and philosophy of leadership and a successful interview with the Educational Leadership Admissions Committee. 

To enter the Educational Leadership Program for the Curriculum/Program Administrator Licensure program of study, a master’s degree or current standard teaching licensure in the area of specialization is required with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.2 (4.0 scale).   If the GPA is 3.0, but less than 3.2, the candidate may submit acceptable scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller’s Analogy Test (MAT) for conditional admission to the Graduate School.  In addition, four (4)) years experience as a licensed public school classroom teacher with three (3) of the four (4) in the desired level of CPA licensure as documented by public school superintendent or teacher retirement records is required. 

Candidates will meet with the Admissions Committee and review the application file.   The Committee members will be two (2) educational leadership faculty members and one (1) faculty member from the area of specialization.  The candidate’s plan of study and timeline will be developed in order for all requirements to be completed within three (3) years of date of admission. 

Program of Study for Curriculum Program Administrator

The program of study for the Curriculum Program Administrator includes 12 hours of educational leadership core courses that constitute the standards associated with that body of knowledge and the application of appropriate skills and dispositions to be a successful school building leader/administrator. Candidate will complete an additional 18 hours in the chosen specialty. All courses are required, but do not have to be completed in any particular order.   Candidates may present acceptable coursework for transfer credit by presenting official transcripts from an NCATE accredited and approved educational leadership program of study. Appropriate courses may be substituted with agreement from the coordinator of the program. Candidates will complete required course projects and activities related to the area of specialization.    

Program of Study for Curriculum Specialist (30 Hours)

Core Administrative Courses-12 hours    

• EDL 6213 Organizational Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 6223 Supervision and Educational Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 6333 School Finance and Resource Management
• EDL 6453 Educational Law and Political Systems

Courses for Specialty-18 hours

• EDL 6623 Curriculum Strategies (3 hours)
• EDL 6693 Technology for School Leaders (3 hours)
• EDL 7473 Leadership for Curriculum and Instruction
• EDL 7633 Curriculum Alignment and Assessment
• EDL 6643 Curriculum Specialist Internship
• Selected Elective Approved by CPA advisor

Total 30 hours       

 Program of Study for the Special Education Supervisor-30 Hours

Core Administrative Courses-12 hours    

• EDL 6213 Organizational Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 6223 Supervision and Educational Leadership (3 hours)
• EDL 6333 School Finance and Resource Management
• EDL 6453 Educational Law and Political Systems

Courses for Specialty-18 hours

• EDL 6623 Curriculum Strategies (3 hours)
• EDL 6693 Technology for School Leaders (3 hours)
• SPE 6393 Advanced Methods Moderate/Severe Learning Disabilities
• SPE 6313 Special Education Law
• EDL 6643 Internship for Special Education Supervisor
• Selected Elective Approved by CPA advisor

Total 30 hours                                                                                                

Internship
The internship experience in all programs is based on the Standards for Licensure of Beginning Administrators and meets the ELCC standard 7 requirements.  Experiences address the ISLLC and ELCC standards. Projects, activities and the internship will be completed in the area of specialization and in concert with a licensed public school mentor and university professor in the area of specialization.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES:

Students enrolled in the MSE degree program and programs of study for building level leader and curriculum program administrator are required to maintain a professional portfolio throughout their course of study. This portfolio is required by state performance-based licensure standards found in the Arkansas Principles for Licensure of Beginning Administrators.  This portfolio will be presented at the completion of their program to demonstrate mastery of the ISLLC and ELCC standards.

The program portfolio is maintained and continuously updated by the candidate throughout the program.  The university advisor who is a professor in the area of specialization oversees the portfolio process and ensures that this working document is comprehensive, detailed and revised as new knowledge and skills are introduced.  Organization of the program portfolio includes a variety of artifacts from course assignments which document successful understanding of goals and objectives of the HSU educational leadership program of study as well as the area of specialization and is aligned to the ISLLC and ELCC standards.  Following a review by the candidate’s advisor, the candidate presents the portfolio to the Educational Leadership Exit Review Committee in a formal presentation, which includes the candidate’s reflection on learning throughout the program, as well as the opportunity for committee members to request additional information and clarification of the candidate’s understanding of the information presented.  The portfolio format will be electronic using iWebfolio™ or a student created website, per the candidate’s choice. For more information concerning the portfolio see the EDL website http://www.hsu.edu/edl.aspx?id=7394

Exit Requirements
The Educational Leadership Exit Review Committee is comprised of the candidate’s EDL program advisor from the area of specialization, an EDL faculty member, the public school mentor from the candidate’s internship site, and an external evaluator from one of the HSU partnership schools and a colleague selected by the candidate.  Members of the Committee carefully view the candidate’s portfolio, as well as oral and written presentation, rating the candidate’s performance on a rubric aligned to the program outcomes.

State Licensure Exam
All candidates seeking Building Level or Curriculum/Program Administrator licensure in Arkansas will take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). The SLLA is based upon the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary for successful leadership at the building level which is meshed in all course work in the MSE programs. It is recommended that the candidate take the Assessment during the internship semester.   The candidate must attain the Arkansas established cut score to qualify for licensure.