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Plymouth State University
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Educational Leadership course descriptions
For a full list of graduate course descriptions, go to our course descriptions page.
AD 5010 Organizational Leadership in Schools - 3 credits
Students in the Educational Leadership program are strongly encouraged to take this course first in the Educational Leadership course sequence. Roles and functions of administrators in elementary and secondary schools will be addressed. A variety of theories will be analyzed and applied in the context of the dynamic milieu, personal and group biases, and the multivariate issues facing organizational life in schools.
AD 5020 Staff Development and Evaluation - 3 credits
Major functions concerning the supervision of staff in a school setting including the selection, orientation and development of staff members will be covered. Theories and techniques for promoting a positive school climate will be explored and applied. Alternative approaches to assessing and enhancing a staff's instructional competence will be examined. Prerequisite: AD 5010.
AD 5300 School Finance and Negotiation - 3 credits
The development of school budgets that support the planning processes within a school setting will be covered. Other relevant topics will include cost effectiveness, revenue sources, communication with the public, capital projects, state and federal programs, using the budget to promote excellence in the schools, and principles and practices in collective bargaining. Prerequisite: AD 5010.
AD 5330 Leadership in Curriculum Development and Assessment - 3 credits
Leading the participatory process for developing curricula in schools will be addressed. The relationship of philosophy, a school's identity and mission to curricula is emphasized. Included are strategies for developing, assessing and revising curricula as well as a review of recent research and trends. The course is intended for experienced educators who currently fill or aspire to the roles of school principal, team leader or department chair. Prerequisite: AD 5010; to be taken concurrently with or after ED 5060.
AD 5520 Negotiating, Collaborating and Leading in Today's World - 3 credits
This course examines the dynamics, constraints and skills needed in negotiation, collaboration and leadership. It focuses equally on using negotiation in business planning and in dispute resolution. Theories of negotiation are examined through current literature and specific techniques are taught through simulated exercises. The course is drawn from the fields of business, law, psychology, administration and communication. Also offered as BU 5520.
AD 5560 Special Topics in Educational Leadership - 1-3 credits
An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern will be the focus of this course. It will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied or as an alternative methodology. A faculty member will coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.
AD 5700 School Law - 3 credits
Federal and state laws that apply to school systems, educational programs and personnel will be discussed. Also covered will be the legal prerogatives available to the administrator and local boards of education. Consideration of constitutional, statutory and case-law foundations of education systems, and the school administrator's role will be discussed. Prerequisite: AD 5010.
AD 5800 Practicum in Educational Leadership: The Principalship - 3 credits
This course will provide a practical encounter with the administrative practices, strategies, and policies presently used in the public schools. Practicum visitations required as part of the course will be especially designed to match the experience, occupational aspirations, and interests of the student. Conference with the instructor and meetings with fellow students will provide for exchange of ideas and reports of observations. AD 5010 and AD 5020 recommended but not required. It is recommended that this course be taken near the end of the candidate's program.
AD 5830 Educational Planning and Problem Solving - 3 credits
An overview of sound planning and evaluation models as applied to specific educational problems. Discussion will include collaborative strategies to implement effective change within the school setting. This course should be taken as the final course in either the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership or the Professional Certification Program for the School Principal K-12.
AD 5910 Independent Study in Educational Leadership - 1-3 credits
This course provides the enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. This offers a chance for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, the department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.
