Curriculum

Program Rationale:

This program is designed to prepare graduates to serve in administrative roles within public and private school organizations. Successful graduates will be eligible for certification as an intermediate administrator/supervisor. A Concentration in Special Education for graduates interested in pursuing administrative roles in special education administration is also available.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students in the program are expected to:

·       understand how learning occurs and how people process information, acquire skills, and develop thoughtful inquiring minds;

·       apply change theory to create continuous organizational renewal processes;

·       use a variety of approaches to assess student learning, teacher development, parent satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness;

·       be able to collaborate with colleagues, parents, and local business and social organizations to create optimum learning environments; and

·       understand the legal, ethical, and policy environments of their work as school administrators.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to this program is limited and highly competitive.  All applications and supporting materials for admission to the program must be received by March 15th for the summer, July 1st for the fall, and November 1st for spring term. 

·       Possess a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education

·       Attained a 3.00 minimum post-baccalaureate cumulative grade-point average (GPA) on a four-point scale or its equivalent

·       Have a minimum of three years of teaching experience (special education or related pupil services required for applicants pursing the Concentration in Special Education) and possess, or be eligible for, a Connecticut teaching certificate (Students who do not hold an educator's certificate issued by the Connecticut State Department of Education must also pass Praxis I)

·       Two letters of reference from school administrators

·       A formal essay which has two focus points (1) the reasons that led the candidate to the area of school leadership, and (2) future career goals

Group interviews will be held in March/April, July, and November/December. Decisions will be communicated to applicants by the end of the current semester.

Instructions for submitting the letters of reference and uploading the essay and copy of the teaching certificate (if obtained) will be found within the online application.

Course Requirements

Total Credit Hours: 30

Note: To receive certification, students must also pass a performance-based examination administered by the State of Connecticut. The State of Connecticut also requires 50 months of teaching experience prior to licensure and completion of a designated course in special education, which may be used as part of the elective requirements.