DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership
| Marcia A. B. Delcourt, Graduate Coordinator, WS 305 |
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| Ana Cangialosi, Department Secretary, WS 129 | Phone: (203) 837-8510 | |
| cangialosia@wcsu.edu | ||
| Fax: (203) 837-8413 | ||
| Website | EdD Leadership |
| Faculty: | Marcia A. B. Delcourt, Coordinator, Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership; Jody S. Piro, Coordinator, Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision; Tricia Stewart |
Accreditation
All university and associated programs are accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Additionally, WCSU’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Leadership program is approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The program to obtain a Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement 092), available to students admitted to the Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership program, is accredited at the state level by the CSDE and nationally through the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) of the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA).
Program Overview
Western’s Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership degree program is designed for educators who are interested in exploring issues related to leadership in schools, curriculum and instruction, reflective practice, and methods of inquiry related to PK-12 school settings. Students admitted to the Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership program may also apply for admission to the certificate program in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement 092). This certificate program, sponsored by WCSU, is a collaboration between WCSU and Central Connecticut State University (CCSU).
Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement #092) Description
The Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision program is offered to candidates who have fulfilled the requirements of a planned program leading to administrative positions in a school district up to and including assistant superintendent. These positions include roles such as department chair, assistant principal, and principal. To receive the endorsement, all candidates must complete a planned program approved by the CSDE and receive a passing grade on the four-module Connecticut Administrator’s Test.
WCSU’s state and nationally approved program is offered in collaboration with CCSU and is ONLY available for graduate students enrolled in WCSU’s Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership program. Please note: the terms “Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision” and “092 Certificate” shall be used interchangeably.
Goals, Objectives, and Learning Outcomes of the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership Program
The goals, objectives and learning outcomes of WCSU’s proposed Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership program are varied and vital to the professional development of classroom educators and for the improvement of student achievement. The program is designed to prepare PK-12 educators to:
A. The program will prepare educators to be instructional leaders within their districts, able to assist with many decisions related to academic and assessment
1. assume roles of leadership in the conceptualization, initiation, assessment and redesign of instructional strategies as indicated by the design of an institutional vision statement and a leadership plan.
2. become lifelong consumers and producers of scholarly in inquiry by conducting meaningful site-based inquiry pertaining to student achievement, program assessment and other measures of educational success as indicated by a program evaluation and a dissertation research project.
B. Graduates of this program will able to apply advanced curricular systems and strategies in classrooms and schools
1. develop and implement innovative curricula that focus on excellence and equity in education as indicted by curricula designed to address diversity across strengths, ability levels, and cultural backgrounds.
2. implement school/district-wide professional development activities utilizing applied research, instructional technology and best practices in PK-12 schools as indicated by the creation of school/district improvement strategies and a professional development plan designed to address one or more aspects of an institution’s strategic plan..
3. implement school/district-wide professional development activities consistent with emerging national standards, articulated by relevant professional specialty associations as indicated by a plan to communicate how one or more standards are being addressed in an educational environment and a project to improve an educator’s use of inquiry skills.
WCSU’s Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership is founded on the belief that instructional leaders should be a major human resource in every educational system. The effectiveness of PK-12 schools is determined in great part by the quality of teaching as evidenced by outstanding practitioners.
Technology, curricula restructuring, school management, and assessment succeed only if they are supported, embraced, internalized, and owned by teachers, administrators, and support staff. The vast reservoir of talent, energy, and experience of all educators can be released and realized through this program. Additionally, all students are expected to abide by the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility.
Admission Requirements
Application Checklist:
For additional information, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (203) 837-8243.
All program materials are available at EdD Leadership
Please submit:
__ 1. a completed application form: EdD Application (online)
__ 2. evidence of educational experience in a PK-12 setting:
a. a copy of your educator certificate(s) and
b. documentation of at least three years of full-time educational experience in a PK-12 setting (e.g., documentation of employment from your school’s Human Resources office or a letter from an administrator who works in your accredited institution).
__ 3. a one- to two-page résumé
__ 4. a $100 nonrefundable fee
__ 5. official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.67 for all previous graduate course work is recommended
Please arrange for the following to be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions at WCSU:
__ 6. an official score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is required (WCSU Testing Center). The MAT must be taken within the past five years. In addition, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all international students.
__ 7. three recommendations attesting to your professional educational qualifications and ability to complete a doctoral program. At least one of these recommendations must be completed by someone in a supervisory capacity in an educational setting. The official WCSU form must be used for the completion of all recommendations. Recommendation Form
__ 8. a completed immunization form: Health Form
Documents can be mailed to Western Connecticut State University, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810 Attention: Office of Graduate Admissions or sent as attachments to Graduate Admissions
Please note:
- Admission to the program will be determined after a satisfactory interview with designated WCSU representatives from the Ed.D. admissions committee.
- Please do not send any additional materials.
- Admission to the Ed.D. Program in Instructional Leadership is competitive.
- Cohorts consist of approximately 20 to 25 candidates.
- Review of application materials begins March 1 and continues through mid-August. All admission requirements must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions at least one month prior to the beginning of classes for the first course in each cohort sequence.
- This program is based on a cohort model that accepts students every other year.
Data Management System License Requirement
All candidates who enter degree or certificate programs in Education and Educational Psychology at Western Connecticut State University are required to purchase a Live Text license before or during the first week of class. This data management system is part of WCSU’s assessment process and essential for continuous accreditation. All key assessments for courses must be uploaded to Live Text in order for a student to receive a grade for the designated courses. Information about purchasing the license will be included in an admissions letter. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Catherine O’Callaghan, E&EP Chair, ocallaghanc@wcsu.edu.
Admission Requirements to the Certificate for Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement #092)
Jody S. Piro, Coordinator
The following three requirements were set forth by the CSDE for admission to a program for a Certificate for Intermediate Administration and Supervision. These criteria must be met by all applicants:
1. hold a master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited institution
2. evidence of five years of full-time educational experience in a PK-12 setting
3. completion of at least 36 semester hours (three credits) of a special education course
For WCSU’s program, the entrance materials will include three additional types of information:
4. two recommendations, using a form with specific criteria and questions developed in conjunction with faculty at WCSU, CCSU, and local administrators. One recommendation must be completed by the candidate’s district superintendent or someone at the executive level of the school district (central office), and the second should be submitted by a supervisor of the applicant.
5. an application and leadership mini-portfolio must be completed by each applicant and assessed using a scoring rubric that incorporates knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
6. an interview, including an accompanying four-point rating of target criteria, will be completed by all interviewers.
An admissions committee will minimally consist of the educational administration program coordinator, at least one other faculty member from the Ed.D. program, and a present or former local school administrator. All candidate materials will be reviewed by the admissions committee before entry to the program will be granted.
Admissions Policies
Graduate students in the Ed.D. program must complete the requirements for the degree within the six year period immediately preceding the awarding of the degree. An appeal process through WCSU’s Graduate Council is available if a student needs to apply for an extension beyond this period of time.
Students may apply for the #092 Endorsement as early as their second semester of their second year in the EdD program. Subsequent entry points for the #092 Endorsement occur every two years. Application can only be made by consent of the coordinator for the Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership program and the Coordinator of the Educational Leadership certificate program.
Transfer of Credit
Doctoral students can transfer up to nine credit hours of doctoral-level coursework provided the credits represent equivalent courses described in the program of study, pending approval by the program coordinator. Only courses with a grade of B or better can be transferred. A course cannot be transferred if it is part of a prior completed degree.
Academic Grading Policies
Students obtaining a grade of B- or lower will be required to retake the course in order to continue in the program.
Academic Planning
Each candidate must meet with the Ed.D. program coordinator to discuss the academic program and the doctoral advisement process. Course sequencing is predetermined and all students participate in a cohort model in order to complete the program.
Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership
A minimum of 60 semester hours is required for the Ed.D. degree, including the requirement for a dissertation. Course Descriptions
| Core Courses in Theory and Foundation (18 SH) | Course Sequence Rotation | |
| ED 800 Foundations of Instructional Leadership | 3 SH | Fall 2019 |
| ED 801 Group Leadership, Group Processes, and Team Building in Education | 3 SH | Spring 2020 |
| ED 802 Emerging Instructional Technologies | 3 SH | Summer 2020 |
| ED 803 National Standards, Current Practices, and Policies in Education (Summer Institute) | 3 SH | Summer 2020 |
| ED 804 Learning, Cognition, and Teaching | 3 SH | Fall 2020 |
| ED 805 Research and Evaluation | 3 SH | Spring 2022 |
| * | ||
| Areas of Specialization (18SH) | ||
| ED 820 Topics in Curriculum and Instruction | 3 SH | Fall 2019 |
| ED 821 Leadership Assessment and Development | 3 SH | Spring 2021 |
| ED 822 Talent Development Across the Curriculum | 3 SH | Spring 2020 |
| ED 823 Models of Creative Thinking | 3 SH | Spring 2022 |
| ED 824 Diversity Issues in Schools | 3 SH | Summer 2021 |
| ED 826 Quantitative and Qualitative-Applications of Educational Research | 3 SH | Fall 2021 |
| * | ||
| Inquiry Strategies and Dissertation Sequence (24 SH) | ||
| ED 860 Quantitative Methods Applied to Educational Research | 3 SH | Fall 2020 |
| ED 861 Qualitative Methods Applied to Educational Research | 3 SH | Spring 2021 |
| ED 865 Introduction to Educational Research Design | 3 SH | Fall 2021 |
| ED 881 Dissertation Seminar 1 | 3 SH | Fall 2022 |
| ED 882 Dissertation Seminar 2 | 3 SH | Spring 2023 |
| ED 883 Dissertation Seminar 3 | 3 SH | Summer 2023 |
| ED 884 Dissertation Seminar 4 | 3 SH | Fall 2023 |
| ED 885 Dissertation Seminar 5 | 3 SH | Spring 2024 |
Certificate for Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement 092)
The planned program for this certificate is a total of 24 semester hours. The recommending institution, WCSU, will offer 18 of these credits. The remaining six credits will be offered through CCSU. A minimum of 60 hours is required for the Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership degree, including the requirements for a dissertation.
| Institution | Courses | 24 SH | |
| WCSU |
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3 SH | |
| WCSU |
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3 SH | |
| WCSU |
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3 SH | |
| WCSU |
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3 SH | |
| CCSU |
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3 SH | |
| CCSU |
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3 SH | |
| WCSU |
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3 SH | |
| WCSU | ED 665 Internship and Seminar in Educational Leadership: Theory, Research, and Practice II | 3 SH |
After completing all courses in the certificate program with a grade of B or higher, submitting all key assessments into Live Text, and passing the Connecticut Administrators Test (CAT), students are responsible for forwarding all materials to the WCSU Certification Officer, who will review these materials and, if satisfactory, will send them to the CSDE.