EDL 675 - Foundations of Educational Leadership (6)

A development of foundation skills for school leadership. Students begin to develop an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes needed by principals in today’s schools. The class focuses on team building, group processes, and facilitation skills. It also investigates the research and literature base for school leadership, creating collective vision and common goals as well as developing an ethical base for decisions, supporting innovations in the school’s community, understanding the change process, and understanding a variety of teaching and learning styles. Students identify a personal philosophy of education that considers sociological, cultural, and historical foundations; develop leadership strategies for improving the school curriculum; study school finance and implications for schools; acquire skills in working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders; and expand multicultural awareness, gender sensitivity, and racial and ethnic understanding. In addition, students develop an individual plan for the field experience that follows this class to further develop their knowledge and skills.