Superintendent/District Leadership LicenseHenry Predolin School of Nursing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences

3 credits

This two-part course will provide a comprehensive overview of leadership at the superintendent, district, principal, and teacher levels. In Part I, various models of leadership in K-12 private and public settings are examined. Analyses of leadership quadrants and strengths of individual leadership styles are completed. Academic writing and applied research skills are stressed. Guest presenters who are working in current roles of leadership supplement and enhance reading and writing assignments and activities. The value and impact of professional associations and the role of social media in leadership will be examined. An observation and analysis of a school board meeting is required. Standards and guidelines for all assignments are provided.

3 credits

For those who aspire to leadership roles in Wisconsin public and private schools, Part II of the course will use criteria set forth by the Department of Public Instruction, and Wisconsin Statutes and Standards : knowing teacher obligations; creating a vision for education; the need for awareness of the inclusive and diverse needs of students, nurturing a school culture of continuous improvement; managing resources of the organization; collaborating with others, acting with integrity in an ethical manner; and interacting with the larger community politically, socially, legally, and economically to affect educational improvements. Additionally, students will begin the process of identifying their dissertation topic and employ research practices as they perform applied research relevant to their topic and/or their current educational position. A culminating project focusing on leadership aspects of a student selected issue or problem is required.

1 credit

The practicum is a three-semester placement with a mentor where the candidate can obtain real-time information, examples, and experiences relating directly to the Seven Wisconsin Administrative Standards. In this course, students will work with the instructor to consider licensing options and review the content guidelines for desired licenses. During the development phase of the practicum, qualified mentors will be identified, and the mentor/mentee relationship will be formally established.

3 credits

The relationship between politics, educational policy, and educational practice is explored in its broadest sense. Particular emphasis is given to political and leadership theories, their practical application and the role of leadership in developing and implementing policy in the political environment within and outside of educational organizations. Politics and policy are discussed within an ethical framework of social justice and equity. Content will be applied in a variety of class experiences, mentoring activities, and related field assignments.

1 credit

The practicum is a three-semester placement with a mentor where the candidate can obtain real-time information, examples, and experiences relating directly to the Seven Wisconsin Administrative Standards and licensed content guidelines. The partnership design of the practicum experience blends coursework and reflection with practical experience. The application of learning and research under the guidance of a school district mentor or doctoral faculty member provides the structured “hands-on” experience required to fulfill the licensing requirement as well.

3 credits

This course examines how to manage human resources effectively in the dynamic political, legal, social, and economic environment currently impacting schools. Among the topics included are: recruitment and retention; training and development; workforce diversity; organizational structure and job design; performance evaluation; and, compensation models. Students will gain a solid understanding of the fundamentals of human resource management and its strategic relevance in K-12 education. By providing a practical perspective on the development of human capital in intensely “people-oriented” organization, students will develop a conceptual framework of how to create a system of attracting, retaining and developing talent that creates and supports the vision and values of the school district.

1 credit

The practicum is a three-semester placement with a mentor where the candidate can obtain real-time information, examples, and experiences relating directly to the Seven Wisconsin Administrative Standards and licensed content guidelines. The reflection phase of the practicum allows the cohort to share their mentorship experience, providing additional insights and cooperative learning to the practicum experience. Students will also finalize their licensure portfolio as a part of this course.

3 credits

This course offers a case study approach to school law in the areas as staff, student, district, and personnel law as well as broader state and federal categories such as tort liability, civil rights, gender equity, and facility administration. Legal issues of inclusion and diversity will be examined. Ethical and leadership implications of legal issues will be explored under the tutelage of experienced and dedicated specialized educational lawyers and certified district administrators. Completion of several projects are required with the focus on expanding knowledge of how to address applied legal issues in a K-12 setting.

3 credits

Curriculum, instruction, assessment, and the learning environment are stressed in a context emphasizing organizational frameworks for management and leadership; leadership roles in staff development; learning theory, human development, and ethical considerations of supporting teaching and learning at the district level. Consideration of multicultural understanding and responding to individual differences are emphasized in the process of creating professional learning communities. Specific attention is given to emergent research in learning style, cognition, intelligence, constructivism in theory and practice. Candidates are required to research curriculum issues and to apply course content to district and/or department situations in a variety of class experiences and mentoring relationships.

3 credits

This course will provide a substantive approach to public school finance at the school district level. Students will gain a practical understanding of the Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR), state and local funding systems, and tax impacts as related to Wisconsin school finance. This course will also cover technological applications and ethical considerations specific to districtwide leadership positions. Students will have the opportunity to research specific topics of interest within the scope of school finance and budget.