Educational Leadership Specialization Doctor of Education

Learners in this course continue the study of systems thinking and foundational leadership concepts and apply them to workplace environments. Learners examine systems thinking, use of systems tools, and inquiry and design cycles as ways to maximize available resources to solve problems under conditions of uncertainty and ambiguity. This course emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reasoning and critical analyses as essential skills of practitioners who plan action research interventions or engage in the design and implementation of any improvement process.  Prerequisite(s): EDD8010, completion or concurrent registration in EDD8020. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners explore the role of culture in supporting an organization's ability to learn, improve, and successfully adapt to a changing environment, and the leader's role in shaping it. Learners focus on patterns of behaviors within organizations, as well as the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of the inclusive leader that support values of diversity and equity in organizational culture and in organizational development and improvement processes. Additionally, learners examine the characteristics and theoretical bases of cultural awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness, and their roles in achieving the goals of a learning organization. Prerequisite(s): EDD8520. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

Learners in this course demonstrate leadership skills that support the ability to exercise influence regardless of position in an organization and the importance of deep knowledge and understanding of internal and external environmental factors impacting an educational organization. This course emphasizes ongoing learning about current research and future trends in education in a rapidly changing environment. Learners also examine social influence and communication skills, commitment rather than compliance, empowerment of others, creative practice, and management of self, along with a robust professional knowledge base as they consider ways to build the capacity of an organization to envision its future.  Prerequisite(s): EDD8520.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners focus on leading and managing organizational change processes. Learners evaluate several change models, and examine the theory and practice of change leadership and the application of collaboration and communication skills that lead to organizational learning and desired outcomes. Learners apply knowledge of systems thinking and tools, organizational development principles, and research methods to planning, implementing, and monitoring improvement interventions. Prerequisite(s): EDD8520, EDD8522, EDD8524.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

In this course, learners examine the varied purposes of evaluation and evaluation models and how and when to apply them. Evaluation and assessment processes are framed as learning tools leading to new knowledge and understanding with a focus on emergent and evidence-based recommendations to determine next steps leading to ongoing cycles of continuous improvement. The course emphasizes reflective practice, data literacy, research reasoning, and habits of mind as leadership characteristics that support a continuous personal and organizational learning process.  Prerequisite(s):   EDD8030, EDD8526.  Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.