Credits: 33
CIP Code: 130401

Program Overview

The specialist program is designed to provide advanced preparation to educational leaders at the building and district levels. This program is performance-based and thereby provides for application and synthesis of basic concepts in educational leadership. Evidence of a certificate in educational leadership and employment by a school district in an approved leadership position are required for persons seeking Tier II certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

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.

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.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Student Learning Outcome for the Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership are aligned with 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 Specialist in Education Degree in Educational Leadership must meet the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog and in the Georgia Professional Commission requirements for certifications. The Specialist in Education degree program requires thirty-three (33) graduate credits of coursework at the 600 level beyond the Master’s degree including two semesters of extended supervised field experience.

Educational Leadership Certification Requirements for Specialist in Education Degree

Please visit www.gapsc.com for the most recent information regarding these requirements.

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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.

Educational Leadership, Ed.S.