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Catherine Leahy-Brine Educational Consultants, Inc.
P.O. Box 1060
Brockton, Ma 02303
Phone 781-331-8826              Fax 781-337-6152


Course Descriptions
CAGS/MEd in Educational Leadership and Management

Collegial Supervision
(EDLM 9020)
The nature and function of supervision as it relates to both the teacher and the supervisor are studied. Also presented is a contemporary view of the concept of supervision from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The role of the "supervisor" is discussed as it has evolved from the traditional model to the instructional leadership model - a model that embraces collegiality and professional development. Included are strategies and processes related to a variety of supervisory models, e.g.: clinical supervision, mentoring, differentiated supervision, cooperative development, and self-directed development. Emphasis is on studying ways in which the planning, organization, and evaluation of instruction may be effectively improved through the cooperative participation of school personnel.

Community Relations
(EDLM 8000)
Students learn communication techniques and acquire knowledge about political structures and regulations for improving a school and/or community. Individuals develop strategies for relations within their own community, utilizing specific goal-setting techniques. A review of current literature promotes an awareness of the diverse publics involved and suggests methods for dealing with and influencing perceptions about schools and their educational goals. A pre-practicum experience is included as an activity of this course.

The Contemporary Educational Leader (Capstone)
(EDLM 9600)
This course explores the significant issues and relevant research affecting individual and systemic education leadership. Students will actively investigate such topics of contemporary concern as diversity, reform movements, the profession of teaching, the poser of leadership, creative curricular, innovative learning environments, the promise and potential of new educational technologies, equity in funding and financial megatrends. The course will provide master teachers, administrators, and staff developers with new insights into the key ideas and critical components of proactive leadership.

Curriculum Leadership and Evaluation
(EDLM 8040)
This course is designed for administrators who must become knowledgeable about curriculum development and program evaluation. The role of the administrator as a decision-maker and as an instructional leader is explored. Emphasis is placed on program development and evaluation, which reflects the various cultural and ethnic minority groups students represent. Additionally, practical applications of programs as well as the application of evaluation models and techniques are investigated. Prepracticum responsibilities are a part of this course.

The Dynamics of Planned Change
(EDLM 9100)
A study of planned change, essentially aimed at education, includes a review and analysis of sociological and psychological factors inherent in the change process. Topics reviewed include organizational behavior, intervention theory, intergroup relations, and management techniques.

Foundations of Education Administration
(EDLM 8005)
This introductory course is designed to provide an overview of school leadership focusing on the philosophical foundations of education; the psychological traditions of learning process; the legal parameters of the school as an institution within the society; the cultural environment of urban, suburban, and rural educational settings; and educational trends as indicated by current research and pertinent literature.

Human Resources and Personnel Administration
(EDLM 8010)
This course focuses on establishing the rationale and organizational structure that supports effective human resource administration. Among those topics included in this course are are staff selection, teacher induction, teacher tenure, promotion and dismissal, salary scheduling, policy making, relations with professional and non-professional personnel, and employee welfare. Emphasis is placed on the interpersonal dynamics of the educational enterprise as it relates to human resource management. Additionally, there is an exploration of issues involving, affirmative action, and concerns about the underrepresentation of minorities in teaching and administration.

Law for the School Administration
(EDLM 8025)
Constitutional and statutory provisions governing a public school system are examined on local, state and national levels. A thorough review will be made concerning the legal parameters surrounding the local level of the educational system and federal and state guidelines generated to meet the needs of diverse student populations in compliance with current judicial decisions and state legislation. The impact of precedent-setting cases will be a major focus of this course.

A Practicum in Educational Leadership and Management
(EDLM 9110/9220)
The culminating course in the Master's Degree program consists of an internship experience under the direct supervision of a principal and/or director. The graduate student is obliged to work in a school setting performing the kinds of responsibilities and duties for which he/she is preparing, ie.e. principal - supervisor/director. The practicum can be arranged for full-time or part-time. Students must discuss proposed arrangements with their advisor early in their program. during the practicum, students meet with their college advisor and are visited at their practicum site. This practicum consists of a minimum of 400 clock hours earned at the practicum site.

The Principal: Organization and Administration of the Elementary, Middle and Secondary School
(EDLM 9000)
This course addresses the role of the principal as an effective manager of schools at various levels of education. The focus is on the development of the human, conceptual, and technical skills required of decision-making, communication, planning and recruitment, scheduling, public relations, evaluating, and contact management. Course assignments reflect the specific level of interest of the participants (elementary, middle, and senior high schools). Nine semester hours of prerequisite core courses (excluding EDLM 91XX) are required.

Public School Finance
(EDLM 8030)
This course addresses the fiscal and allocated functions of school administration. Students develop the skills and knowledge related to budgeting, accounting, and financing at the local, state, and federal levels. Resource acquisition and development of strategies for locating alternative revenue sources and subsequently, allocating these resources efficiently and effectively are skills the student acquires.

Seminar: Research in Educational Leadership
(EDLM 8050)
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the current research in Educational Administration and to teach the student how to evaluate the pertinence of this research to educational problems and issues. Students identify and use research sources and undertake projects that prepare them to address educational issues in an informed and lucid manner. Prepracticum responsibilities are a part of this course. This course may be taken in use with the practicum EDLM 9110-9220.

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