Educational Leadership Ed.S. (Online)

Program Description

The Ed.S in Educational Leadership addresses the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards using personalized and authentic learning experiences in the school setting.  The program may be successfully completed in one academic year of three semesters, each having two courses with six graduate credit hours each, beginning in the fall of each year.  All course work is available online to support the school-based learning experiences. School partner mentors and university professors support and facilitate the candidate’s work.  A residency requirement of 750 clock hours helps the candidate implement a leadership change initiative for a school-based academic challenge and address experiences across the leadership standards. Degree Only candidates must complete the Ed.S program and residency documentation for a certificate upgrade of degree. Tier II candidates must successfully complete the Ed.S program and residency documentation to be recommended for taking the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) for certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Admission

• Hold clear renewable Georgia PSC Tier I certification in Educational Leadership
• Serve in a leadership position at either a P-12 school or Local Unit of Administration including RESAs; or, have a written agreement between Georgia College and the employer specifying that the candidate will be released from current duties for a portion of the school week sufficient to allow the candidate to complete residency requirements
• Two professional recommendations
• Official copies of all transcripts and printed copy of clear renewable Georgia PSC Tier I Educational Leadership certification.
• A passing score for the Educator Ethics for Leadership GACE Test code 380
• Documentation of completing course work for the identification and education of children with special needs.  Georgia PSC educator certification is acceptable documentation.
  Minimum GPA of 3.25
• Graduate Application Form

Advisement

The Ed.S in Educational Leadership begins in August of each year and ends with the following summer session.  Each candidate admitted to the cohort has a program of study listing the timeline for all courses.  There are no substitutes or electives and all courses are taken at the same time during the program with other members of the cohort.  Candidates are assigned to the cohort professor for advisement and are expected to communicate on a regular basis with the professor who will also serve as facilitator and performance coach.

Ed.S Goal

Plan, implement, assess and reflect on a leadership change initiative (LCI) by leading a professional teaching and learning organization to improved organizational culture and to improved student learning over time.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Identify a significant problem in curriculum, instruction and assessment documented in measurable student performance results over time that is owned by professionals in the organization and is a direct barrier to improved organizational culture and student learning.
• Lead a professional teaching and learning organization to develop and implement a plan to remove the immediate barrier, improve student learning and implement change strategies to address the mental models of professionals over time for improved culture and sustainable change.

Rationale for Semester Placement of Courses

Three courses, Leadership of Teaching and Learning Organizations I-III, address all learning outcomes needed for a complete leadership change initiative.  A supporting course addresses targeted knowledge and skills within the overall leadership change initiative for Leadership of Teaching and Learning Organizations.

Transient Credit

Candidates must enroll in all courses in the program of study at Georgia College.

Exit Requirements

Candidates must complete all coursework with a 3.0 overall average and complete residency documentation successfully. The completed leadership change initiative must address overall program content and residency experiences documenting overall knowledge and application of leadership for improved student academic outcomes. Candidates should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.

Dismissal Policy

Candidates must earn a ‘B’ or ‘A’ on all courses.  For any course in the program of study with a ‘C’ grade, the candidate may file a formal petition to continue in the program.

Certification

Degree Only candidates must complete the Ed.S program and residency documentation for a certificate upgrade of degree. Tier II candidates must successfully complete the Ed.S program and residency documentation to be recommended for taking the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) for certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Total Credit Hours: 36

As needed after program completion to complete certification residency hours and/or portfolio skill development:  EDEL 7930 Leadership of Teaching and Learning Organizations IV (6 hrs)  (Postgraduate Continuation Course - May be Repeated)

Further Information

Prospective students desiring further information on graduate programs may contact Shanda Brand, Graduate Admissions Advisor, at Georgia College, Campus Box 70, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

Email: Shanda.Brand@gcsu.edu

Phone: 478-445-1383.  (Toll free in Georgia at 1-800-342-0471, extension 1383.)