Advanced Teacher Preparation Programs:

School District Leadership, CAS

The School District Leadership, CAS program is delivered by the Department of Language, Learning and Leadership of the College of Education.

The School District Leadership, CAS program is coordinated by Dr. Charles Stoddart.

Overview and Description of the Program

The School District Leadership Program is open to candidates who have completed the requirements for New York State School Building Leader Certification.  The program leads to a recommendation to the New York State Education Department for professional certification as a School District Leader (SDL). This state certification allows the candidate to assume such roles as superintendent, assistant superintendent, district wide director, or coordinator.

Requirements for Admission to the Program:

• Be eligible for or hold NYS Education Department School Building Leader Certification.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 in an academic program leading to the School Building Leadership Certification or its equivalent.
• Two written recommendations, one each from the candidate's school superintendent and immediate supervisor.  (For candidates continuing with this program directly following their completion of the C.A.S. in School Building Leadership, their recommendations for admittance to the C.A.S. program will be sufficient).  
  

Program Requirements

A minimum of six semester hours of graduate-level courses as described below.

EDU 662, School District Leadership Seminar: Policy Development, Politics and Ethical Practice
Frequency: Every year, usually in the fall semester

This course is designed to provide a theoretical basis and practical experience for working in a school district administrative capacity. In particular, the course work will examine the process of policy development and the political and ethical dimensions of district level leadership.  Candidates will gain practical experience in the field of educational administration under the supervision of a certified and practicing district administrator and the course professor. Each candidate will be required to plan, develop and implement a district wide field project.  This project should be chosen to provide a depth of experience through immersion in a specific district issue requiring: research, planning, negotiating, leading, and managing change common to district level administrators. This experience is designed to give the candidate the opportunity to put into practice the theories, skills, and strategies studied in course work. Through working closely with practitioners, college faculty, and classmates, the candidate will have the opportunity to reflect on decisions made and actions taken in the field, share the insights gained, and craft recommendations for responding effectively to future similar situations.

EDU 664, School District Leadership Seminar: Media, Governance, and Crisis Management
Prerequisite:  EDU 662
Frequency:  Every year, usually in the spring semester

This course continues and expands on the course content of EDU 662. In particular, the course work will examine the role of the district level leader in responding to crises, governing the district, and managing media relations.  Candidates will gain practical experience in the field of educational administration under the supervision of a certified and practicing district administrator and the course professor. Each candidate will be required to plan, develop and implement a district wide field project.  This project should be chosen to provide a depth of experience through immersion in a specific district issue requiring: research, planning, negotiating, leading, and managing change common to district level administrators. This experience is designed to give the candidate the opportunity to put into practice the theories, skills, and strategies studied in course work. Through working closely with practitioners, college faculty, and classmates, the candidate will have the opportunity to reflect on decisions made and actions taken in the field, share the insights gained, and craft recommendations for responding effectively to future similar situations.