Instructional Leadership offers both a master's degree and an Education Specialist degree:
Mission Statement:
The mission of the University of North Alabama Instructional Leadership Preparation Program is to prepare engaged, collaborative and effective leaders of learning through the integration of theory, reflection and applied leadership opportunities.
Preparing Administrators for 21st Century Schools
Core Conditions and Indicators
The Instructional Leadership Program is based upon the Southern Educational Regional Board (SREB) Core Conditions and Indicators for successful preparation programs in school leadership.
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Core Condition 1: University/District partnerships for principal preparation
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Core Condition 2: Emphasis on knowledge and skills for improving schools and raising student achievement
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Core Condition 3: Well-planned and supported field experiences
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Core Condition 4: Rigorous evaluation of participants' mastery of essential competencies and program quality and effectiveness
Essential Information
Master's in Instructional Leadership Program of Study.
Application Requirements for Master's in Instructional Leadership Program
Steps for Admission
Phase I. Graduate School Application
Individuals interested in making application to the Instructional Leadership Program shall meet all application requirements of the Graduate School. This includes:
a. completion of the Graduate School application
b. evidence of an earned baccalaureate-level Professional Educator
Certificate in a teaching field or earned master's level Professional
Educator Certificate in a teaching field or instructional support
area.
c. evidence of three (3) years of successful teaching experience
d. any other Graduate School admission requirements
Phase II. Portfolio
Individuals wishing to apply for the Instructional Leadership Program shall submit a professional portfolio to the department chair on or before the established deadline for each enrollment cycle. The portfolio shall contact the following items (See handout for specifics required in items):
a. letter of application
b. current resume or vita
c. professional growth plan
d. copies of transcripts
e. copies of teaching certificate(s)
f. three letters of recommendation
g. evidence of ability to improve student achievement
h. evidence of leadership and management potential
i. other areas of leadership
The contents of the portfolio will be reviewed and scored by faculty members of the Instructional Leadership Department. The portfolio will count for the final score for the acceptance into the program.
Submission of Portfolio by given date:
For Spring ---> October 15
For Fall ------> March 15
For Fall ------> July 15
Phase III. Interview
Candidates are expected to demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills. Each candidate who makes a minimum score of 22 points on the portfolio will be invited to participate in an interview as the final step in the application process. The interview will be approximately 30 minutes in length and will be designed to acquire information regarding the candidate's potential in a number of leadership areas. Each candidate must have a minimum score of 22 points on the interview. A final score of 44 points is required for acceptance into the program.
The interview will assess:
- understanding of UNA Conceptual Framework
- discussion of UNA Conceptual Framework
- individual reflections on self-UNA Conceptual Framework parts
- structured interview by questions on Instructional Leadership
Standards
At the conclusion of the interview phase, all scores will be reviewed and candidates will be notified regarding their acceptance into the program.
Phase IV. Coursework
Courses Required:
- ED 000 Education Graduate Program Orientation
- IL 690 Development of Educational Human Resources
- IL 691 Financial and Material Resources for School Improvement
- IL 692 Planning & Management for School Improvement
- IL 693 The Effective Instructional Leader
- IL 694 Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Student Learning
- IL 695 Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
- IL 696 Internship & Residency for Instructional Leaders
- 12 hrs advisor-approved electives
- EEX 605 Education for Exceptional Children (required if not
previously completed)
Admission Requirements
1. Candidates must meet all testing requirements set forth by the
Alabama State Department of Education. Contact the UNA
certification officer for details.
2. Minimum grade point average of 3.25 (4.0 scale) on all master's
level coursework.
3. All candidates must hold a Class A Professional Educator Certificate
in Instructional Leadership or one of the other Class A leadership
certificate designations [Instructional Leader, Principal,
Superintendent, Superintendent-Principal, Educational
Administrator, Supervisor (any subject and/or grade level),
Administrator of Career and Technical Education].
4. Candidates must also meet one of the following criteria:
a. Hold a Class A Instructional Leadership certificate earned after
completing a redesigned program at an Alabama university.
b. Be currently serving as a superintendent, assistant or
associate superintendent, assistant to the superintendent,
principal, assistant principal, supervisor (any subject and/or
grade level), administrator of career and technical education,
coordinator, or evaluator.
c. Document three years of employment in an instructional
leadership position for which one of the certificates is proper
certification according to the current edition of the Subject
and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of
Education.
d. Demonstrate each of the abilities in the Class A Instructional
Leadership standards prior to admission to the Class AA
Instructional Leadership program or prior to completion of the
Class AA Instructional Leadership program.
4. Applicants who completed a Class A program other than one
approved by the State Board of Education on or after September
8, 2005, must submit a portfolio which includes:
a. Three letters of recommendation
b. Most recent performance appraisals
c. Evidence of ability to lead student achievement
d. Evidence of leadership and management potential
e. Reasons for pursuing the Class AA certificate in
Instructional Leadership
The contents of the portfolio will be reviewed and score by faculty
members of the Instructional Leadership Department.
5. Applicants who completed a Class A program other than one
approved by the State Department of Education on or after
September 8, 2005, must pass an interview conducted by a
program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional
leaders and instructional leadership faculty.
6. Courses Required:
- EDS 701 Professionalism and Ethics in the School Culture
- EDS 704 Culturally Proficient Leadership
- EDS 708 Advanced Curriculum Dev for Teaching & Learning
- EDT/EDS 703 Digital-Age Leadership to Enhance Student
Learning
- IL 706 Management of the Learning Organization
- IL 707 Law, Policy, and Governance
- IL 711 Professional Standards for Instructional Leadership
- EEX605 Survey of Students with Disabilities (if not previously
completed)
- IL 705 Professional Development and Mentoring
- EDS 702 Applied Research I
- IL 709 Applied Research II
- IL 710 Community and Stakeholder Relationships OR
ED 640 Educational Statistics
