Superintendent Certification

EDLD 690. Leadership of the Education Community. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to provide prospective public school superintendents/CEOs and other executive leaders with the knowledge and skills incorporated in Domain I of the test framework for Texas Superintendent Standards - Leadership of the Educational Community. The competencies included with Domain I address: (1) acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner; (2) the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning; (3) communication and collaboration with families and community members, including mobilizing community resources; and (4) responding to the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context, including working with governance boards. The application of sound leadership principles developed in the business sector will be translated into effective strategies for the leadership of large governmental agencies. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Educator Preparation Program or instructor permission.

EDLD 691. Superintendent Leadership in Public Schools. 3 Hours.

Translating all Texas standards for superintendent certification into action is the focus of this experiential-based course. The course of study encompasses the culmination of the analysis, synthesis, and application of the skills and knowledge needed to begin a career as a Texas public school superintendent, assistant superintendent, or district administrator. The content of the course is designed into broad categories organized by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) proficiencies for the Texas Superintendent’s Certificate into three domains: leadership of the educational community, instructional leadership, and administrative leadership. Within the three domains, all eight of the educator standards for the superintendency are organized and further defined by competencies required to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful entry-level superintendent or district administrator. Participating in leadership projects, activities, discussions, interviews, and shadowing experiences provide a context for students to garner the knowledge and skills necessary for successful executives. Learning sites include private businesses, local or state government and/or management, Texas public schools, Texas public school support institutions, non-profit organizations, and/or others as determined appropriate on an individual basis. In order to experience the whole year’s cycle of skills and knowledge required of superintendents, the assignments and experiences are woven throughout all four courses in the Superintendent Certification Program. Students document their learning with an electronic portfolio and mastery of the Comprehensive Examination.

EDLD 694. Instructional Leadership. 3 Hours.

Leadership at the chief executive officer (CEO) level is the theme of this standards-based course. The application of strategic planning skills to enhance teaching and learning; to ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; and to support the collection and use of multiple measures of success are promulgated through the requirements of this course. Emphasis is placed on skills designed to advocate, nurture, and sustain an instructional program and a culture that supports student learning and staff professional growth. Staff evaluation, improving staff performance, and effective models of supervision are emphasized. Prerequisite: Principal certification or Program Director's approval.

EDLD 698. Administrative Leadership. 3 Hours.

Public school finance at the superintendent level and the general operation of the business office and other peripheral support functions of a public school will be studied. Related topics include student food services, transportation, facility management, maintenance and construction, development and marketing of bond elections, human resource management, district level budget development and management, data managment/analysis, and safe schools. Technology based infrastructure that supports student, personnel, and financing management will also be evaluated. The application of organizational, decision-making and problem-solving skills to facilitate position in varied contexts. Prerequisite: Principal certification or Program Director's approval.