| MASTER OF ARTS IN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP |  |
Graduation
Requirements
A candidate must
1. Successfully complete at least 37 hours from the approved MASL/MAEd
curriculum:
a) 21 credit hours of required MASL school leadership core courses;
b) 12 credit hours of required MAEd graduate education core courses;
and
d) 4 credit hours of Directed Field Experience.
2. Maintain a graduate GPA of 3.25 with no more than one course completed
with a“C” grade. “D” and “F” grades
are not acceptable;
3. Complete all course work within six years of the date of initial enrollment.
Extension
of this timeframe must be approved by GEC.
4. Maintain a composite average of >3.5 on the Professional Skills
Surveys ;
5. Have a minimum of three years of experience in an accredited K-12
program by the
completion of the MASL program;
6. Complete a program portfolio (see below) with an evaluation of “Proficient” or“Distinguished”;
7. Have been recommended by the SOE (GEC) for his or her Directed Field
Experience and successfully completed the DFE;
8. Pay all tuition and fees; and
Portfolio Program Requirement
The MASL student submits completed assignments to an electronic portfolio.
This portfolio, which serves as a part of each student’s self-assessment,
helps to ensure excellence in education with tangible representation
of individual achievements. The portfolio serves as a learning resume
and documents each student’s personal growth and professional development.
Students are provided guidance on conceptualization and documentation
for inclusion in the portfolio. Two or more program evaluators will evaluate
the portfolio during the Directed Field Experience.
When a candidate fails to satisfy any one of the above program criteria
(i.e., GPA requirements), the GEC may recommend that the candidate be
a) placed on probation or b) dropped from the program. In either
case, the candidate is notified in writing of GEC’s decision. If
GEC’s recommendation is to drop the candidate from the program,
the candidate may petition the GEC in writing requesting continuance
in the program. Any exceptions to program requirements must be
approved by the GEC.
Program Scheduling
There are seven enrollment periods in the MASL program. Classes usually
meet once a week in the evening, during the fall and spring semesters.
During January interterm, classes meet twice a week. During the two summer
terms, some day classes may be scheduled along with the evening offerings.
Time, length, and credits of classes are noted in the enrollment schedule.
The MASL degree program can be completed within two years.
Students are limited to a maximum enrollment of 12-semester credits in
the fall and spring semesters (6-semester credits in each term) and 6-semester
credits in each of the two summer terms. A student may not enroll in
more than one administrator core course in the same term. Requests for
overload should be directed to the Director of Student Services.
The University reserves the right to modify program requirements and
content, as well as sequencing of curriculum, as necessary.
Directed Field Experience
The Directed Field Experience (DFE) is the Master of Arts in School Leadership
(MASL) capstone course that provides a program candidate (Intern) with
the hands-on experiences necessary to transfer beliefs, values, theory,
and knowledge into policy and practice. The DFE is an important element
in the administration preparation process and as such is designed to
assist the Intern in understanding the role change associated with becoming
a building administrator.
Course Descriptions
Based upon reasonable projections of faculty
availability and appropriate curriculum considerations, the following
courses can change as deemed
necessary by Baker University to fulfill its role and mission. The
courses listed below are the administration core requirements but do
not represent the order in which a student must complete the courses.
MASL Program Required Courses (21 credits)
MAS 5010 Foundations of Educational Administration
This course includes a study of personal and educational leadership
applicable to building-level administration at the elementary and secondary
level. Participants
develop the ability to transfer beliefs and values, leadership theories,
and educational research into policy and best practice. Participants
study a number of topics related to leadership and administration, including
team and community building, time management, theories of motivation,
communication practices, societal expectations, organizational change,
and the process of achieving ‘win-win.” Participants
are introduced to the standards provided by the Interstate School leader
Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) in preparation for the licensing examination
later in the program.
MASL Core Course (This course must be completed prior to enrollment
in any other school leadership course.) (3 credits)
MAS 5020 Organizational Health and Performance
This course provides participants with leadership skills needed to manage,
make decisions, and guide a healthy organization. Participants
develop an understanding of organizational culture and climate characteristics
important in a collaborative learning organization. Participants
increase skills for using the technology needed to collect and analyze
data for classroom enhancement.
Prerequisite MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
MAS 5030 School Personnel
This course provides participants with the expertise to select, supervise,
evaluate, empower, and provide development for school personnel. Participants
study important constitutional, moral, legal, liability, ethical, and
policy issues that relate to employment rights and practices. Participants
enhance interpersonal skills that develop two-way communications with
personnel. The course introduces the skills to maintain personnel
records, develop policies and procedures handbooks, document personnel
recommendations, and budget for personnel needs. Participants
learn to use technology for personnel management and classroom enhancement.
Prerequisite MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
MAS 5040 Curriculum and Instruction for Administrators
This course provides participants with the leadership skills to develop
a building mission and vision relating to curriculum and instruction. Participants
become knowledgeable about how to create curriculum and instruction
consistent with the district’s program and objectives. A
variety of instructional strategies and models supported by research
and best practices, and a variety of methods and tools used to monitor
and assess the curriculum are examined.
Prerequisite MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
MAS 5050 Student Services, Climate, and Programs
The course is designed to provide students with the leadership skills
necessary to create discipline practices and a school environment that
maintains a safe, orderly, and student centered climate; provide for
student governance, organizations, clubs, and co-curricular activities;
provide for the many different needs of a diverse student population;
and provide for student support services, including sponsors for activities,
counseling, transportation, and food service. Participants develop
an understanding of the processes and responsibilities of monitoring
student activities, legal liability issues, due process procedures
relating to suspension and expulsion, and disciplinary procedures. Participants
demonstrate the interpersonal, communication, and processing skills
necessary to involve students in the creation, improvement, and maintenance
of student and school policies, activities, and programs.
Prerequisite MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
MAS 5060 Legal and Ethical Issues of School Leadership
This course is designed to prepare aspiring building level leaders to
address issues in the legal structure of public education and to become
skilled in locating and using resources pertaining to changing laws
and court decisions. Problems will be presented for solution
that will increase understanding of ethical issues facing school leaders.
Prerequisite MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
MAS 5070 School Planning, Operations, and Finances
This course will prepare building level leaders to manage the planning,
maintenance, and support of the school for the best learning environment. Major
topics include issues of financial policies and practices, budgeting,
funds control and accountability, and school planning and operations. Legal
issues to be considered in school operations and management will be addressed. Prerequisite
MAS 5010. MASL Core Course (3 credits)
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