Examines current issues affecting public education from multiple perspectives, including historical knowledge of American education and current research on effective schools. Consideration given to technology, testing, political and social efforts for school improvement, diversity, equity, ethical responsibility, collaboration, and professional standards.

Exploration of evidence-based frameworks for the design of curriculum for diverse learning environments. An emphasis on inclusive practices, including universal design principles in the context of school district, state, and national standards.

Current models and practices related to the role of instructional leader with an emphasis on curriculum leadership, assessment, and instruction. Examination of factors that affect curriculum delivery, data collection and analysis, and use of data to improve student learning and school climate.

Legal rights, duties, and responsibilities of school personnel, including the ethical and legal considerations related specifically to the practice of school counseling, special education, and educational leadership. Current issues, policies, laws, and legislation will be emphasized in accordance with professional standards.

An examination of individual and organizational models of leadership and the transformational change process as applied to educational settings. Emphasis on the self as leader in the context of school vision, organization, culture, instruction, and curriculum.

Strategies for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating educational research. Introduction to research concepts and instrumentation in qualitative and quantitative research. Part I of a yearlong action research project designed by students and implemented in an educational setting.

Practical application of educational research methods to school reform initiatives. Focus on creating a research design for systematic inquiry of a problem or issue in school. Part II of a yearlong research project designed by students to be implemented in an educational setting.

Study of a selected topic in education at the graduate level. May be repeated as topics change.

Intensive study of an educational topic encountered in a school or community. Topics are usually initiated by the graduate student.

Culmination of a yearlong applied school-based research project including preparation of final project, summary of research, and professional exhibition.