Memorandum of Understanding                         
College of Education and Human Sciences at the University of North Alabama
Secondary Education and Leadership Department
Instructional Leadership Master’s Program and
Education Specialist Program

This memorandum will serve as an understanding between the College of Education and Human Sciences and the undersigned school district participating in the Instructional Leadership Master’s Program and Education Specialist Program .  This document specifies the expectations of the College of Education and Human Sciences with regard to the participating school district regarding the selection of candidates for the program, release time to conduct performance activities, identification of potential mentors to work with candidates in the program and level of financial support for candidates.  This Memorandum addresses the roles and responsibilities of the participating school districts and the College of Education and Human Sciences.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SCIENCES AGREES TO:
	●	Disseminate information from the Alabama State Department of Education about School Leadership redesign standards to Local Education Agencies and other stakeholders
	●	Collaboratively identify criteria for use in selecting interns for the School Leadership program
	●	Develop materials that describe program attributes for recruitment and dissemination
	●	Assign one or more faculty members to serve on the interview committee with the participating school district.
	●	Train mentors from the administrators recommended by the various participating school districts.
	●	Assign each candidate an advisor to guide the candidate through the program
	●	Provide program and internship/residency/field experience handbooks and appropriate professional development to field-based coaches and cooperating administrators
	●	Involve current administrators in the delivery  and design of the curriculum.
	●	Plan and conduct program orientation meetings
	●	Provide an assessment resource in which intern artifacts may be stored
	●	Assist in selecting school sites for intern placement

	●	Assist in selecting principals/mentors to supervise interns
	●	Visit School sites regularly to assist in mentoring interns
	●	Maintain accurate records and documentation to stay current and accredited
	●	Participate in structured program evaluations designed to improve intern experiences in problem-based activities and program quality
	●	Arrange an end of program conference for the candidates to review their completed portfolio and reflect on their ability to be an instructional leader
	●	Assign grades to interns for performance based mastery of knowledge and ability standards included in Alabama’s Standards for Instructional Leaders
	●	Work with the school district to select appropriate field-based coaches and field experiences
	●	Hold Advisory Council meetings at least bi-annually to assess program progress and engage in continuous improvement processes as needed

LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCY	

As a participating partner, check the items you agree to do:

		Designate a representative to participate in Instructional Leadership activities to include the interview admission process.  
		Provide a contact person from the district to work with the College of Education and Human Sciences on the curriculum design and field experiences of the IL program.
		Collaboratively identify criteria (as an example, improved student learning) for use in selecting interns for the School Leadership program
		Have system administrators participate on a committee with UNA faculty to interview
		and evaluate candidates for the Program.
		Identify and nominate administrators to be considered for mentorship positions.
		Select school sites for intern assignment(s) for field based  experiences.
		Select principals/mentors to supervise interns
		Principals/mentors and potential IL candidates will attend a program orientation 
		meeting
		Identify content for inclusion in School Leadership courses based on district
 		needs for problem-based activites and consistent with state standards
		Assist in developing and updating an Intern Handbook for use during field 
		experiences and residency
		Participate in the assessment of student progress throughout the program,
 	including at the end of the first semester when all students will undergo a review 
	of status determining whether or not they have the needed dispositions, content
 	knowledge, and leadership ability to continue in the program
		Principals will partner with University faculty to assign and evaluate the intern’s
 		performance as it relates to standards included in Alabama’s Standards for Instructional
 		Leaders
		Participate in structured program evaluations designed to improve intern 
		experiences and program quality 
		Provide release time to candidates to fulfill the ALSDE residency requirements of 10
 		consecutive days.     Fall ________   Spring _________   Summer _________
		Host class meetings in district schools as needed
		Assure representatives participate in the advisory council meetings held bi-annually
	
Other participating school district responsibilities agreed to but not listed above:														

														

														

														
	
This Memorandum of Understanding will remain valid until terminated by either party in writing.

													
Dean, College of Education	   Date		Superintendent/Printed         		Date 
    and Human Sciences
													
							Superintendent/Signature		Date

							School System			Date

As required by Alabama Administration Code Supp. # 05-3 290-3-3-.48 (3)(b).   Adopted 7/12/05