2007-09 - Graduate School - The University of Alabama

Graduate Catalog: Section 10.6http://graduate.ua.edu/catalog/22300.htmlarea, an additional Class A certificate in educational administration may be obtained by completing the 18-hourInnovative Leadership Program (ILP). Those holding Class B certification must complete the additional hours requiredfor the M.A. (see additional requirements below). Effective Fall 2005, the requirements for admission to the ILPprogram leading to administrative certification include (i) a bachelor's degree or master's degree with professionaleducator certification in a teaching field or instructional support area, (ii) a minimum of three years of successfulteaching experience, (iii) the submission of a portfolio before the interview, and (iv) passing an interview conductedby the program admission committee.The portfolio must include (a) three letters of recommendation and include the applicant's principal or supervisor, (b)a completed copy (all forms) of the most recent performance appraisal to include the professional developmentcomponent if available, (c) evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most recentaccomplishments in the area of educational leadership and/or student achievement, (d) a summary of the candidate'sreasons for pursuing educational administration certification, and (e) a summary of what the candidate expects fromthe program.In order to be awarded Class A Certification (i) students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses with nograde below a "C", (ii) successful completion of the internship; (iii) a passing score on a comprehensive writteneducational administration test, (iv) completion of State Department of Education certification application forms, and(v) completion of the survey of special education course (SPE 300 or SPE 500). The certification programs of thedepartment have been designed to fulfill current requirements of the Alabama State Board of Education. These staterequirements change from time to time and, accordingly, the department's requirements and programs are subject tochange.Master of Arts in Educational Leadership/Class A Certification (P–12) (30 semester hours). Students holdingcurrent Class B certification may earn a master's degree in educational leadership by adding 12 more credit hours tothe ILP program described above. The additional credit hours consist of one research course, one foundations course,and two electives. Admission and degree requirements for the Graduate School and for the College of Education aredetailed in an earlier section of this catalog.The program of study leading to Class A administrative certification is based on a cohort approach to instruction withcohorts being established annually. Admission forms and requirements, specific program parameters, departmentalpolicies, contact information can be found at http://education.ua.edu/leader/degrees.html.Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership/Class AA Certification (30 semester hours). Students whoearned initial credit toward Class AA professional certification during the Fall 1992 semester or later must enroll inand complete the Ed.S. degree program. Courses used to qualify for a lower-level supporting certificate may not beused again in a higher-level certification program. Also, effective Fall 2005, students who are admitted to theprogram must (a) hold master's-level certification as a superintendent/principal, superintendent, (b) principal,supervisor, vocational administrator, or educational administrator, (c) have at least one year successful experience asa school administrator, and (d) present an acceptable GRE or MAT score (see application policy). Admission anddegree requirements for the Graduate School and for the College of Education are detailed in an earlier section of thiscatalog. Admission and degree requirements are subject to change and may be found on the department website athttp://education.ua.edu/leader/degrees.html, and on the Graduate School website at http://graduate.ua.edu.To be awarded class AA certification, students must (a) earn a passing score on a comprehensive exam covering thecontent of the program, (b) maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 on all courses with no grade below a "C", (c) completethe State Department of Education certification application forms, and (d) complete the survey of special educationcourse SPE 300 or SPE 500. Please note: classes taken for Class A certification and credits over six years old cannotbe applied to this degree. The certification programs of the department have been designed to fulfill currentrequirements of the Alabama State Board of Education.The program of study leading to Class AA administrative certification is based on a cohort approach to instructionwith cohorts being established annually. In order to maintain compliance with the Alabama Board of Education,admission and program requirements are subject to change. Admission forms and requirements, specific programparameters, departmental policies, and contact information can be found athttp://education.ua.edu/leader/degrees.html.Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership/ non-certification option (30 semester hours). TheEducational Specialist Program in Educational Leadership (non-certification) provides an option for aspiringeducational leaders who are not seeking state administrative certification. It serves individuals who are preparing fororganizational leadership positions in a variety of settings with a focus on becoming competent and creative leadersof learning. The program comprises four semesters of intensive coursework including a common introductory courseabout what it means to be an instructional leader and a culminating course experience that involves students inschool-community partnerships. The cohort design allows students to take their beginning and culminating coursestogether, but provides options in selecting other coursework.