Educational Leadership Ed.S. (Tier II)

Specialist in Education (Ed.S) in Educational Leadership

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 12 graduate credit hours, beginning in the fall of each year.  All course work is available online to support the school-based learning experiences. School mentors and university professors support and facilitate the candidate’s work.  A residency requirement of 750 clock hours helps the candidate address experiences across all standards. Successful completion of the program prepares the candidate with residency work needed for Tier II certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and performance skills required for Educational Testing Service portfolio tasks.

Degree Requirements

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 & State University 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 at the Master's degree level
• University Admissions 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 GCSU.

Exit Requirements

All candidates must pass a comprehensive program exit requirement and fulfill degree requirements to graduate including an electronic portfolio presentation. Candidates should check with their assigned program advisor for specifics.

Dismissal Policy

All course grades are required be ‘B’ or ‘A.’ 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

Candidates research and perform skills in their school setting needed for the work they must document in the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL).  Candidates who successfully complete the Ed.S program and subsequently pass the PASL qualify to be recommended for certification with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.