& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Specialist Degree Programs 251
EDS745
Data Collection and Assessment (3 cr.)
This course examines action research, student assessments, and their
use in educational leadership. Skills administrators need to access, use,
and effectively communicate research and assessment data are
examined. Information and cause analysis, key element and problem
framing are explored.
EDS750
Principal as Building Leader (3 cr.)
This course examines topics of particular importance to the role of the
building principal including building safety and security systems, and
student guidance systems. Proactive and reactive responses to social
relations among students are analyzed. Various models and concerns
regarding program master scheduling are critically evaluated. Student
support components offered in Minnesota schools are examined.
EDS755
Field Experience for Principals (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: EDS701, EDS710, EDS720, EDS730, EDS742
The Field Experience offers opportunities to apply the knowledge and
skills necessary to be an educational leader. Students develop a
personal professional portfolio documenting a minimum of 320 hours of
administrative level experience while being mentored by a licensed,
practicing principal. A minimum of 40 hours each in elementary, middle,
and senior high levels are required. The accompanying seminar
facilitates the reflection on the student’s progress toward meeting the
state mandated competencies. Readings and discussions help integrate
administrative coursework with the on-site administrative experience.
EDS760
The Superintendency (3 cr.)
This course provides a forum in which to demonstrate the core
competencies specifically required of school district superintendents,
including policy and law in school district governance and operations;
political influence with local and state government and other agencies;
communication with the school board in the district and community;
organizational management of school district finances and operations;
and judgment in promoting the vision and mission of the district.
EDS765
Field Experience for Superintendents (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: EDS701, EDS710, EDS720, EDS730, EDS742
The Field Experience offers opportunities to apply the knowledge and
skills necessary to be an educational leader at the school district level.
Students document a minimum of 320 hours of administrative level
experience while being mentored by a licensed practicing
superintendent. Readings integrate course work with on-site
administrative experience.
EDS770
Financial Management and Law for Special Education
Directors (3 cr.)
The emphasis of this course is on budget allocation, planning, reporting,
and auditing practices and laws and rules governing special education
programs and school districts in Minnesota. Financial systems at the
state, district, and school levels are evaluated. The course reviews the
historical development of state funding for public education in Minnesota
Education case law, contract law, labor relations, policies, and
regulations pertinent to special education in Minnesota are discussed.
Program and staffing options and dispute resolution processes and
resources are examined.
EDS771
Technologies and Instructional Strategies in Special
Education (3 cr.)
This course presents various educational technologies and specialized
instructional strategies used in support of special education programs
and students. Legal requirements regarding assistive technologies,
available psychopharmacological treatments, and potential sources of
funding are examined. Technologies and strategies that are likely to
produce the desired results are evaluated.
EDS795
The Special Education Director (3 cr.)
In this course the core competencies specifically required of school
district leader of special education are analyzed. Among the topics are
federal and state laws, rules and procedures governing special
education; statutory regulations regarding board meeting procedures
that affect special education governance; management of special
education program models acceptable in Minnesota; and the use of and
accounting procedures for various resource allocation models.
EDS796
Field Experience for Special Education Directors (3 cr.)
Prerequisites: EDS701, EDS710, EDS720, EDS730, EDS742
The Field Experience offers opportunities to apply the knowledge and
skills necessary to be a leader of special education at the school district
level. Students document a minimum of 320 hours of administrative level
experience while being mentored by a licensed director of special
education. Readings help integrate course work with on-site
administrative experience.
EDS798
Action Research Seminar (2 cr.)
This seminar is designed to assist students in the completion of their
capstone research project. The seminar correlates with their research
activities. Discussions and readings focus on issues and questions
arising from the actual research experience. Students design, carry out,
and share their progress on their action research project in a seminar
format.