Leadership for Teaching and Learning

Course Description

Examines conceptions of "good" schools and the nature of instruction, curriculum, assessment, and professional development. Explores leadership, change, and school renewal that works toward good schooling and pedagogy. Prerequisite: Admission to M.S.A., P.M.C., or Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership or permission of instructor.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Understand the culture and practices of good schools and be able to articulate the nature of curriculum and instruction in such schools.
  • Understand various ways instructional leadership can be practiced as a principal.
  • Understand how change is initiated and sustained.
  • Demonstrate professional competencies from the NC Standards for School Executives including Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Organizational Ability, Personal Ethics and Values, Personal Responsibility for Performance, Responsiveness, Sensitivity, and Time Management.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Attendance, participation, and Canvas discussions 10%
Covenant Project (group project) 30%
Working with Data Project Part 1: Looking at School Data – The big picture 10%
Working with Data Project Part 2: Looking at School Data – The detailed picture 10%
Working with Data Project Part 3: Professional Learning Communities Project 10%
Working with Data Project Part 4: Leading Change for School Improvement: Professional Learning Community Group Plan 10%
The Principal as the Instructional Leader Article Reviews 20%

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
AExcellent work demonstrating independent high quality performance
A-Very good work indicating consistent and careful thought and attention to the task; some room for improvement and thoroughness
B+Good work carefully executed for the most part yet requiring several areas of improvement
BWork of graduate standard but omissions exist or careful analysis is not evident
B-Effort is evident but work indicates lack of understanding of the demands of the task
C+Poor quality work with little attention to detail and the demands of the task
CWork of very poor quality indicating no understanding of the depth of analysis required
FWork has violated the academic honor code and academic integrity policy.

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance, participation, and Canvas discussions will count for 10% of the course grade.

You are expected to physically and intellectually attend every class session, and to participate in class discussions and activities. If you are unable to attend a class session, please provide advance notice.

Thoughtful and active participation in the Canvas discussion for each week when prompts are listed is expected. There is no set minimum number of times you need to participate. Your grade will be based on thoughtful participation and ongoing, active engagement in discussions.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

James-Ward, C., Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Lapp, D. (2013). Using Data To Focus Instructional Improvement. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.