Credits: 63
CIP Code: 130401

Overview

Fundamental to the aims of the doctorate degree is the development of skills in educational research, program evaluation and policy studies. An appropriate master's degree is required for admission to this program. Applicants must be prepared to complete 750 clock hours of performance leadership in a local school district. Additionally, applicants seeking Tier II certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission must provide evidence of holding current certification in educational leadership and that she/he is employed in an approved leadership position in a school district. These program requirements are met by the co-construction of Tier II admission criteria with P-12 partners/employees.

Program Goals P-12/Tier II Education Leadership

1. The program prepares school leaders who can utilize interpersonal and communications skills to create an organizational climate conducive to individual and social development.
2. The program prepares school leaders who can generate, engage and manage resources to improve educational productivity.
3. The program prepares school leaders who can utilize current technology for school management and the improvement of instruction.
4. The program prepares school leaders who can communicate and involve varied constituencies and build support for school improvement.
5. The program prepares school leaders who understand the functions of law and policy in school governance and the processes and ethical implications of policy development.
6. The program prepares school leaders who are knowledgeable consumers of research who can plan and conduct research activities for school improvement and systems change.

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements of the Graduate School, there are program specific requirements, including the following:

• Hold Tier I Educational Leadership entry certification or a grandfathered L or PL certificate in Educational Leadership issued from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. 
• Have a minimum of a Master’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited higher education institution.  
• Be employed in a leadership position in a local education agency (LEA) as defined by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
• Submit three official letters of recommendation. One of the letters must be a recommendation from the Superintendent or designee based on local district requirements.
• 3.0 or better cumulative GPA on graduate work
• Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment (380).   NOTE:  Applicants having completed this entry requirement for Tier I certification need not complete the assessment.  A copy of a Certificate of Completion should be submitted with the application packet.
• Written partnership with school district confirming one or two Advanced Practicum site options that will enable successful completion of the clinical experience, with approval from school leadership.  NOTE: 750 hours of clinical practice are required for program completion.

Certification Requirements for Tier II Doctor of Education Leadership

1. Candidates completing a Tier II program shall be required to take the Georgia Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL)
2. Passing score on the Ethics for Educational Leadership Assessment
3. Completion of the Special Education Requirement 
4. Passing score on the GACE Educational content assessment if not previously met to qualify for the Tier I certificate; and
5. Employment by a Georgia LEA, with the following exceptions:
   1. An educator who already holds a valid Georgia certification in another field is not required to be employed to add the field to their certificate;
   2. An individual who has met all requirements for the Performance- Based Professional certificate except for employment may receive a Certificate of Eligibility upon application.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Student Learning Outcomes for Tier II Ed.D program are aligned to the 2018 Georgia Educational Leadership Standards:

Standard 1: Education leaders build a collective vision of student success and well-being. 
Standard 2: Education leaders act ethically to promote each student's success and well-being.
Standard 3: Education leaders strive for equity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student's success and well-being. 
Standard 4: Education leaders develop and support rigorous, coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student's academic success and well-being. 
Standard 5: Education leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring and supportive school community that promotes the academic success and well-being of each student.
Standard 6: Education leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each student's academic success and wellbeing. 
Standard 7:  Education leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 8: Education leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 9: Education leaders manage school operations and resources to promote each student's academic success and well-being.
Standard 10: Education leaders act as agents of continuous improvement to promote each student's academic success and well-being.

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the Tier II/ Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership – P-12 Track must complete General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog. The program requires a minimum of sixty-three (63) credits beyond the Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and emphasizes both theoretical studies and application. A minimum of forty-eight (48) graduate credits must be completed in residence.

¹

Only required for candidates without a degree or certification in educational leadership.

²

Students may need to take CEDA 990 Doctoral Advisement depending on progress toward dissertation research.

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All SOE field experiences require that all SOE students are required to complete a background check prior to field placement in schools, human services/community agencies, and any government setting.

Qualifying Examination

Candidates must successfully pass a written Preliminary Examination (the Concept Paper) after completing 12 hours of study.

Dissertation Research Prospectus and Defense

Candidates must prepare and present a dissertation prospectus for approval by the faculty, and develop and defend a scholarly dissertation.

Educational Leadership – P-12 Track