Leadership for Reform | Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University
Program Description
This self-paced, CD/ROM course for aspiring and current school leaders is comprised of 11 sessions, led by Dr. William C. Bosher, Jr., Distinguished Professor, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University.
The course brings together school, university, and community leaders, including state education department and board members, an attorney, local school superintendents, university professors and researchers, and national curriculum and instruction professionals, to discuss issues and share practical experiences. Utilizing interviews, discussions, supplementary texts and publications authored by lesson guests, the course also incorporates some current survey results relating to professional development needs.
Course requirements will be outlined at the first session of the staff development program or university class by the instructing professor. These may include additional readings, research projects, tests and exams, e-mail interaction, use of the Internet and a course study guide. Information about textbooks and related written materials to be purchased will be provided by the instructing professor.
Sessions cover a broad range of key education leadership issues, such as school crisis management, planning, public policy and practice, technology, data-driven management, human resource management and accountability, and ethical leadership.
Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
The course addresses a number of standards within the Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Administrators, and Superintendents adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in January, 2000, including various criteria targeting fiscal and human resource management and planning; data-driven decision making; safety and organizational management for learning; communications and community relations; instructional leadership and accountability; and professionalism and ethics.Program Goals and Objectives
The course is designed to assist aspiring, new, and experienced school leaders in tackling the changing demands of education reform and provide information on new and emerging topics and issues.Program Format
Through structured interviews with current education leaders and policymakers, the viewer/student is led to actively address critical issues relating to leadership, standards, accountability and public reporting.Target Audience
This program is designed for graduate study and as a staff development resource that may support licensure renewal in Virginia.Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes/yes.Duration of Program
The program consists of eleven 30-minute lessons comprised of assignments, links, resources and video.Outcomes Measured
Measured outcomes include application of problem-solving options in day-to-day practice, research team reporting, course grading, and field contributions to teaching, learning and reform.Program Evaluation
School leaders in professional organizations and those enrolled in the graduate course in Virginia are asked to complete an evaluation of the course following viewing and using the materials and engaging in additional research. The course has been shared with professional associations including AASA. Online course evaluations are contrasted to face-to-face course evaluations.Contact Information
Kathleen G. Harris, Deputy Executive Director
Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute
School of Education-Oliver Hall
Virginia Commonwealth University
1015 W. Main St.
P.O. Box 842020
Richmond, VA 23284-2020
(804) 827-3290
fax: (804) 828-2768
kgharris@vcu.edu