There is no position in education as powerful as the principal for making a difference for students, families, and communities.

Transcription

1 There is no position in education as powerful as the principal for making a difference for students, families, and communities. Dr. Joseph Murphy Chair, Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Dear Aspiring Principal, There is no position in education as powerful as the principal for making a difference for students, families, and communities. Thank you for your interest the M.S. in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership from Walden University. Dr. Joseph Murphy Chair, Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) This innovative master s program will prepare you to successfully meet today s challenges of school leadership. It will enable you, as a school principal, to confidently lead your teachers and students to Dear Aspiring Principal, greater achievement. Thank you for your interest in the M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership from Walden University. The unique and specialized curriculum in Educational Leadership has been developed in association This with innovative the American master s Association program will of School prepare Administrators you to successfully (AASA). meet today s It reflects challenges the high in school standards leadership. for It will enable you, as a school principal, to confidently lead your teachers and students to greater achievement. leadership education developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and The the unique National and Policy specialized Board curriculum for Educational in the Educational Administration Leadership (NPBEA). specialization has been developed in association with the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). It reflects the high standards for leadership education developed Walden University by the Interstate has been School providing Leaders distance Licensure education Consortium for (ISLLC) more than and 30 the years National and Policy has students Board for Educational Administration from over 40 countries (NPBEA). and all 50 states. Its convenient online graduate programs are designed Walden specifically is an for accredited working university adults such that as has yourself. been providing distance education for nearly 40 years. Walden has more than 60,000 students and alumni from all 50 states and from more than 100 countries. Its convenient online degree programs are designed Walden for University working is adults pleased like to you. partner For the with third Harris year in County a row, Walden Department has the of No. Education 1 largest online to meet graduate Texas program in education specific requirements by enrollment, leading according to principal to U.S. News licensure & World in Texas. Report. This partnership brings high national standards together with high state standards to provide excellence in leadership to aspiring principals Walden is pleased to partner with the Harris County Department of Education to meet the specific requirements leading to principal everywhere. licensure in Texas. This partnership brings high national standards together with high state standards to provide excellence in leadership to aspiring principals. If you have questions, please call toll free today to speak with a Walden University If Enrollment you have questions, Advisor. please call toll-free today to speak with a Walden enrollment advisor. Sincerely, Dr. Kelley Costner Costner Associate Dean, Master s Programs Associate Dean, Master s Programs The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership Distance-Learning Degree Programs 155 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN Distance Learning Degree Programs Walden University is accredited by The 155 Higher Fifth Learning Avenue Commission South and a Minneapolis, member of the North MN Central Association, Walden University does not offer a state-approved program in educational leadership that is recognized for K 12 school administrator licensure/certification in Minnesota (Walden s home state) or any other state, except in Texas through a partnership with the Harris County Department of Education known as the Future Texas M1238 NMF Administrators Program. With the exception of this Texas collaborative, Walden University makes no representation, warranty, guarantee, or commitment that successful 07/08 completion of the Walden M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership, or coursework for graduate credit within this specialization, will permit a graduate to obtain state certification or licensure as a principal, assistant principal, or other type of K 12 administrator. Prospective Alabama students: Contact the Teacher Education and Certification Division of the Alabama State Department of Education at or to verify that these programs qualify for teacher certification, endorsement, and/or salary benefits. Prospective Washington state students are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at or prof.educ@k12.wa.us to determine whether Walden s programs in the field of education are approved for teacher certification or endorsements in Washington state. Additionally, teachers are advised to contact their individual school district as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement. WDLM1238 NMF

2 John Sawyer, Ed.D. Superintendent Dear Aspiring Principal, We are excited to assist you in your mission to become a certified principal through a collaboration between the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and Walden University. By combining HCDE s years of experience in mentoring administrators and Walden s M.S. in Education degree with a specialization in Educational Leadership, we have created an innovative, flexible program designed specifically to prepare Texas educators for a principal s challenging role. Developed by national leaders in teacher education, the specialized curriculum in Walden s Educational Leadership specialization, combined with HCDE s seasoned advisors on Texasspecific activities, will successfully prepare you to meet today s challenges of school leadership. This unique program the first of its kind has been approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification and provides an alternative to the traditional pathway for busy teachers seeking a master s degree leading to principal certification. I encourage you to apply today for this excellent program. I applaud your aspiration to become a leader in education at a time when your commitment, high ideals, and passion for making a difference in the lives of students is urgently needed. Please feel free to call Dr. Richard Griffin, program and instructional administrator at the Harris County Department of Education, at or rgriffin@hcde-texas.org for information and advice about this great opportunity. Sincerely, John Sawyer, Ed.D. County School Superintendent Harris County Department of Education WDLM1238 NMF

3 Principal Certification Academy The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) program begins on a weekend in September and continues with four more weekends scheduled throughout the year. Please see the chart below for details on the HCDE courses. WEEKEND COURSE COURSE TOPICS A B C D E F G H I J Moral and Ethical Leadership Developing Personal and Professional Habits of Quality Establishing a Productive Organizational Climate and a Campus Culture of High Expectations Media and Communications Reaching and Teaching Reluctant and At-Risk Learners Responding to the Diverse Needs of Individuals as required by NCLB Special Populations: Special Education Law, PEIMS, Gifted and Talented, Migrant, ESL, Bilingual Authority, Leadership, and Collaborative Decision-Making at the Building Level Training and Involving All Stakeholders Addressing Change Through Campus Planning, Evaluation, and Communication Accountability: AEIS Establishing Processes to Create, Access, and Modify the Plan TEKS and the Curriculum Facility Management Maintaining a Safe and Secure School Environment Technology for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Benchmarking and Ensuring a Research-Based Practice TEKS, Copyright Issues, PEIMS, Testing, Data, and AEIS Supporting District and Campus Vision Leadership Strategic Planning Dealing with the Human Relations Aspect of Building-Level Leadership Supporting Innovative Thinking and Risk-Taking Managing Conflict Campus Budgeting Aligning Financial, Human, and Material Resources WDLM

4 Principal Certification Program Program Information for Class of In January 2005, Walden University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) in Texas. This collaboration combines Walden s M.S. in Education (M.S.Ed.) program with a specialization in Educational Leadership and HCDE s Principal Certification Academy. The program, which may lead to initial principal certification in Texas, has been approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). Students who complete the combined program and pass the Texas Examinations of Educators Standards (TExES) test may be recommended to SBEC for initial principal certification. 1. Who is eligible for consideration for the HCDE principal program? Students who are enrolled in or have completed Walden University s M.S.Ed. or Ph.D. in Education with specializations in Educational Leadership. Students in master s degree programs at other universities will be considered individually. 2. When can I enroll in the principal program? At any point during your master s coursework or after the degree is conferred. There is no required number of college hours at the master s level before you are eligible to apply. 3. What is required to be considered for acceptance into the principal program? An application fee of $100 A transcript from Walden University or other appropriate university A transcript from the university that awarded your undergraduate degree A copy of your Texas Educator Certificate The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references The name, address, telephone number, and position of your mentor for the Walden University program. If you are not a Walden student, please provide this information for a certified principal, preferably one who is serving as your principal, who is willing to be your mentor. A two-page discussion of your professional goals Note that many of these requirements are identical to those required by Walden University. You may send a copy of the Walden information in those cases. 4. What is the cost? The cost is $3,500 plus a $100 application fee. The application fee is $200 after July 15 if you are planning to enroll in September of the same year. 5. What is the application fee? It is a one-time $100 processing fee. Again, if you send the fee after July 15 of the year you are attending, the fee is $ Is there a deposit? If you are planning to enroll in September, a deposit of $300 is due by July 15 of the same year. It is part of the $3,500 cost of the program. If you do not enroll in September, you will lose your deposit. WDLM

5 7. When does the tuition ($3,500) have to be paid? The tuition is not due until you are attending the principal program, with the exception of a deposit. A deposit of $300 is due by July 15 of the year that you plan to attend. The remainder ($3,200) will be divided into three equal payments due on the following dates with checks made payable to HCDE: September 15, January 28, and April 30. Credit cards are also accepted. If you do not attend that year, the deposit will be forfeited. 8. What is included in the fee? The program and its administration Assessment review Note: Instructional Leadership Development and Professional Development Appraisal System (ILD/PDAS) training is not included. 9. When does the program begin? Typically, a class will start in October. If for some reason there is not a class in a particular year, your deposit will be refunded. 10. What is the deadline for submitting required documents to be considered for admission? (See number 3 for a list of required documents.) The deadline is July 15 of each year. 11. When does the principal class meet? It meets on five weekends during the school year. The class also meets on three days during the summer for students who have not taken or have not passed the test for certification. The specific weekends are listed below: First weekend in October First weekend in November Second weekend in January Third weekend in February First weekend in May The second full week of June, for three days, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (for students who have not taken or have not passed the test for certification) Note: The timing of classes is subject to change. 12. Where will the classes meet? The classes will meet at 6300 Irvington Blvd., Houston, at the Harris County Department of Education. 13. What are the hours of the classes? Class hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. 14. Where can I get information about the TExES test? Visit When can I take the TExES test? After you are enrolled in the program, check with the administrator. You can take it anytime during the program or after you have completed the program. WDLM

6 16. How do I get a probationary certificate? After you are enrolled in the program, check with the administrator. If you are eligible, you will be issued an official state form that informs a district that you can obtain a probationary certificate upon employment as an administrator. 17. What if I get a position as an administrator before I finish the program? If you meet the qualifications, a probationary certificate can be recommended, but only after you have a job offer. 18. Do I have to pass the state test before I get a probationary certificate? No. Check with the program administrator for specifics (contact information below). 19. Does the HCDE program include ILD/PDAS training? No. Check with your local regional service center regarding this training. Frequently, your school district will send you to this training if you are employed as an administrator. 20. Do I have to live in the state of Texas to participate in the principal certification program? No, but the certification will be Texas certification. You will need to determine if that is useful for you. This information is subject to change. For any recent changes you may check with Program and Instructional Administrator Richard Griffin, Ed.D. rgriffin@hcde-texas.org Irvington Boulevard Houston, TX WDLM

7 Principal Certification Academy Application for Admission Please submit this document with a copy of your Walden University application. Personal Information Please Print Name, Last First Address Date Address Work Phone Number City State ZIP Home Phone Number Social Security Number Cell Phone Number ( ) ( ) ( ) LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE You must document successful leadership experiences. Examples of leadership responsibilities include, but are not limited to, department chair, grade-level chair, member of a site-based decision-making team, or other similar responsibilities. You may also include other work or community leadership experiences. Dates Position Held Leadership Responsibilities CERTIFICATION You must currently hold a valid teaching certificate to be eligible for the Principal Certification Academy. A copy of the certificate must be included with this application. If applicable, indicate your current certificate status: Valid Texas Certificate Other State Teaching Certificate Do you possess a certificate that is currently suspended, revoked, or pending such action in any state? Yes No If yes, explain: School district where currently employed: Date Issued Date Issued Campus Expires Expires Position (over, please)

8 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Please Print It is required that each applicant to an educator preparation and certification program be subject to a criminal record check. The following information on date of birth and ethnicity is used to initiate the process. Date of Birth Month Day Year Gender Male Female Ethnicity American Indian/Alaskan Native Black (Non-Hispanic) White (Non-Hispanic) Hispanic/Latino Asian/Pacific Islander Multiracial If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor other than traffic tickets or similar, minor violations, please explain in the space below. Offense: Date Convicted: Disposition: Comments: PERSONAL CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE RESPONSIBILITY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I hereby affirm that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also understand that selection based upon information contained in this application that later proves to be false or incomplete shall result in sufficient cause for immediate dismissal from the Harris County Department of Education Principal Certification Academy. I also understand that acceptance into the Principal Certification Academy is contingent upon acceptance into the Walden University M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership. I hereby authorize the Harris County Department of Education to release application information for employment purposes to local school districts. In addition, my signature authorizes HCDE to release information relating to the Principal Certification Academy to Walden University. Applicant s Signature Date I hereby authorize Walden University to release documentation relating to my acceptance in and completion of the Walden M.S. in Education program with a specialization in Educational Leadership to Harris County Department of Education for the purpose of tracking and analyzing data as required by the Texas Education Agency. Applicant s Signature Date Please mail the following items with this completed application to the address listed below: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) Copy of teaching certificate (if applicable) Official transcript from Walden University Official transcript from your baccalaureate degree institution Copy of Walden application $100 application fee Copy of your Texas Educator Certificate Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references Two-page discussion of your professional goals Mailing Address: Principal Academy Coordinator Harris County Department of Education 6300 Irvington Blvd. Houston, TX For more information, please contact Principal academy coordinator at , schatmon@hcde-texas.org WDLM