Doctoral Student Handbook EdD in Educational Leadership & Management

Goodwin College of Professional Studies School of Education Doctoral Student Handbook EdD in Educational Leadership & Management Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1 Spring 2011 Drexel University

EdD in Educational Leadership & Management Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1 Welcome to the EdD Program It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Drexel University and the EdD program in Educational Leadership & Management. Drexel University has been graduating leaders for over a century who have made profound contributions to their fields. Today, there is a great need for leaders who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to resourcefully work within a global economic environment that is volatile yet full of new opportunities. The EdD program was developed to prepare practitioners in the field of education to lead diverse institutions. Courses are lead by world-class faculty in state-of-the-art classrooms as well as through dynamic online platforms. During your enrollment you will have the opportunity to professionally network with students, faculty, administrators, and local, regional, national, and international leaders. You will also led an action-oriented dissertation on a topic that relates to your career and/or place of employment. As a Drexel Dragon, there are many student benefits and services that we encourage you to utilize during your enrollment. Take advantage of extensive software available through the Office of Information and Technology that is provided to students at no cost. Sign up for online writing workshops through the Writing Center and attend Drexel events on campus or online through your computer or smartphone. As future Drexel University alumni, you will be connected globally with over 130,000 alumni. You will also have lifetime access to the Steinbright Career Development Center as you continue to advance within your careers. It is wonderful to have you in the EdD Program. If you have any questions, you can reach out to the Program Director for your campus location or your Program Manager. I am also looking forward to having you in class! Sincerely, Bill Lynch, PhD Dean, Goodwin College of Professional Studies, School of Education EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 2

Introduction Drexel University s Doctorate in Education (EdD) program in Educational Leadership & Management offers an elite professional practitioner's degree in a blended delivery format that combines on-campus classes and transcontinental, online education. Cohorts of 15-20 students study together through executive-style weekend classes and online coursework at Drexel's three locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and at the University's Graduate Center in Sacramento, California. Interdisciplinary coursework is created by a partnership between the MBA program at Drexel's LeBow College of Business and the university's top-ranked School of Education resulting in a comprehensive program of applied learning. Through collaborative discourse, action-oriented research, and the latest learning technologies, students acquire a facility in finance, leadership, management, creativity, and strategic thinking within the context of their individual education entity, university, and state. Keystones The keystones are integrated throughout the EdD curriculum. Upon completion of the EdD program, graduates possess the following leadership skills: Develop the habits of mind and competencies to lead complex organizations, shaped by global forces Develop the abilities to sustain their own leadership growth Utilize the full range of emerging technologies to reach across generations and communicate effectively as well as engage others in meaningful change Exemplify the curiosity, inquiry skills, and scholarly competencies need to investigate an idea and transform it into meaningful action Program Credits The goal of Drexel's unique EdD program is to generate dynamic leaders with in-depth knowledge and expertise of the complex challenges that face school districts, colleges and universities, foundations, and government agencies. The sequence of courses for the EdD program begins with required core coursework, including education and MBA courses. Students then transition into their area of concentration in preparation for required research courses before the dissertation phase of study. The EdD program is a part-time program and students enroll in a minimum of 60 credits over a three-year period. EdD Curriculum, Courses & Concentrations The EdD curriculum blends required core courses that integrate leadership, financial management, organizational evaluation and assessment, and economics with courses in research and concentration areas of study. Research courses focus on quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods as well as applied research in preparation for the dissertation proposal and defense. As previously shared, the core courses, research courses, and candidacy courses are offered in a blended format while the concentration courses are offered in an online format. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 3

Core Courses - 18 Credits Code Name Credits EDUC 800 Educational Leadership and Change 3.0 BUSN 501 Measuring and Maximizing Financial Performance 3.0 EDUC 802 Using and Integrating Learning Technologies 3.0 ORGB 625 Leadership and Professional Development 3.0 EDUC 804 Study of Educational Organizations and Programs 3.0 Through Evaluation and Assessment Design BUSN 502 Essentials of Economics 3.0 Concentration Courses - 15-16 Credits Option A: Educational Administration Code Name Credits EDUC 801 Creative Strategies for Educational Leaders 3.0 EDUC 817 Curriculum Models 3.0 EDUC 820 School Superintendency 3.0 EDUC 824 Parents and Schools 3.0 EDUC 827-830 School Superintendency Internships, I, II, III, IV 4.0 Option B1: Higher Education Code Name Credits EDHE 500 Foundations of Higher Education 3.0 EDHE 510 Governance, Management & Administration in 3.0 Higher Education EDUC 705 School Law & Politics (Legal Issues in Higher Education) 3.0 EDHE 600 Human & Organizational Performance Improvement 3.0 EDHE 606 Higher Education Career Development 3.0 Option B2: Higher Education Code Name Credits EDGI 506 Comparative Higher Education Systems 3.0 EDHE 634 Proposals and Sponsored Research Projects 3.0 EDUC 640 Foundations of Institutional Research 3.0 EDHE 662 Critical Issues in Student Affairs 3.0 EDHE 669 Diversity in Higher Education 3.0 Research Courses 21 Credits Code Name Credits EDUC 803 Educational Research Design I 3.0 EDUC 810 Educational Research Design II 3.0 EDUC 835 Data Analysis I 4.0 EDUC 836 Data Analysis II 4.0 EDUC 815 Writing for Research, Publication, & Funding in Education 3.0 EDUC 818 Applied Research Study 3.0 EDUC 880 Research Seminar 1.0 EdD Candidacy Courses - Minimum of 6 Credits Code Name Credits EDUC 998 Dissertation Research 6.0 EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 4

Concentrations: Drexel s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management provides a thorough grounding in the numerous elements that are essential for effective leadership. In addition to core courses, students focus their studies with a concentration in one of the following options: Educational Administration Students examine the development of theory and research pertaining to creativity, leading to an understanding of how role-playing and drama can become the springboard for creative thinking, innovation, and change. Students are challenged to develop interdisciplinary models of curricula and teaching strategies. They examine the role of chief executive office and study the major issues facing families such as poverty, domestic violence, and drug abuse and their impact on the school environment. An experiential component takes the student into various central office positions for a yearlong internship focused on the various issues that face a school on a daily basis. Coursework makes interested students eligible for the Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility. Higher Education This path of study covers the historical growth and advancement of colleges and universities in the U.S. from Colonial era to present day "virtual" models of public and private universities. Students explore the institutional hierarchy of a school and the relationship between the university and the community it serves. Courses examine strategies of success for faculty and administrators through an understanding of the career patterns of faculty, deans, vice presidents, provosts, and presidents and study how decision-making and change are implemented. Students analyze the roles of school boards and community organizations as well as state boards of education, state government agencies, special interest groups, professional organizations, and unions. Within this framework, coursework explores the impact of variables such as the law, politics, and power structures on an educational institution. Plan of Study The EdD Plan of Study begins with required core courses and research courses in the 1 st through 4 th Quarters in preparation for the Comprehensive Exam in Week 5 of the 5 th Quarter. Upon the successful completion of Comprehensive Exam, students continue through with the 5 th through 9 th Quarters in which they enroll in their concentration courses and more in-depth research courses. During this time, students are also paired with their Supervising Professor (dissertation advisor), dissertation committee members, and prepare for their dissertation proposal defense at the end of the 9 th Quarter of the EdD program. Upon the successful completion of the dissertation proposal defense, students begin to focus on conducting their research, completing their dissertation, and preparing for their dissertation defense. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 5

EdD Plan of Study Quarter Year Requirements Courses Numbers Credits Year 1 Orientation Spring Weeks 1 and 5 of the 1 st Quarter will include a two-part orientation 1 st Quarter Spring Required Courses EDUC 800 EDUC 802 6 2 nd Quarter Summer Required Courses ORGB 625 BUSN 501 6 3 rd Quarter Fall Required & Research EDUC 803 BUSN 502 6 Courses 4 th Quarter Winter Required & Research Courses Year 2 EDUC 804 EDUC 810 IRB Certification 5 th Quarter Spring Concentration Course #1 Course #2 6 Week 5: The three-hour Comprehensive Exam is held Comprehensive on-campus during the Executive Weekend Exam session of Week 5. The Comprehensive Exam is a written exam in which students apply content, research, and theories from the required core courses and research courses from the 1 st through 4 th Quarters to a set of three comprehensive questions. After passing the Comprehensive Exam, students continue in the of the EdD program (5 th through 9 th Quarters) enrolling in concentration courses and in-depth research courses, as well as request their Supervising Professor (dissertation advisor), dissertation topic, and dissertation committee. Please review the EdD Student Handbook for specific details about the EdD Comprehensive Examination and the Dissertation Handbook for specific details about the dissertation Luncheon with Cohorts, Dean & Faculty 6 th Quarter Summer Research & Concentration Courses process. After students have completed the Comprehensive Exam in Week (5 th Quarter), there is a luncheon with the newly matriculated cohort, the Dean, and faculty who teach with the EdD program. The luncheon provides an opportunity for students in the cohorts to meet each other and connect. Students also have an opportunity to learn more about the EdD faculty in terms of research focus to assist in the fall request for a Supervising Professor and requests of their dissertation committee. EDUC 836 Course #3 7 6 EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 6

7 h Quarter Fall Research & Concentration Courses Request Dissertation Supervising Professor EDUC 835 Course #4 7 Students must request their Supervising Professor (dissertation advisor) no later than Week 2 in the 7 th Quarter of the EdD program. Please review the EdD Dissertation Handbook for specific details. 8 th Quarter Winter Research & Concentration Courses Request Dissertation Committee Dissertation Proposal Defense Year 3 EDUC 815 Course #5 or 6 EDAM internships during terms 8-11 Students must select their dissertation committee members no later than Week 2 in the 7 th Quarter of the EdD program. Please review the Dissertation Handbook for specific details. All EdD students must defend their dissertation proposal, which includes Chapters 1, 2, and 3, by Week 10 of the 8 th Quarter of the EdD Program. After passing the dissertation proposal defense, students then work extensively on carrying out their dissertation research and the completion of the dissertation. Please review the EdD Dissertation Handbook for specific details. 9 th Quarter Spring Research Courses EDUC 818 EDUC 880 4* 10 th Quarter Summer Candidacy Courses EDUC 998 2 11 th Quarter Fall Candidacy Courses EDUC 998 2 12 th Quarter Winter Candidacy Courses EDUC 998 2 Cohort & Program Format EdD students are enrolled as a cohort once annually, spring or fall, depending upon the campus location. Cohorts include up to 20 students who represent diverse areas and are serving in leadership positions locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in the field of education. The EdD program is a blended program that combines both on-campus and online instructional delivery and engagement. The instructional delivery varies with each year of the program. Therefore, it is important that students carefully review the Plan of Study and the breakdown of the Program Format as detailed below. Note: The Plan of Study is subject to change. First Year 1 st Quarter through 4 th Quarter (Spring to Winter) Three Executive Weekend Sessions, Weeks 1, 5, and 10; Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm EST and Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 7

During each quarter of first year of the EdD program, students are required to visit their campus location during Weeks 1, 5, and 10 to attend an Executive Weekend where students engage in face-to-face instructional sessions. Each Executive Weekend includes attending class from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on a Friday evening and attending class from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on a Saturday. The Executive Weekend sessions provide opportunities for students to participate in lectures by faculty and guest speakers; engage in small and large group discussions and projects; and deliver individual or group presentations. Students also are able to work with colleagues in Sacramento and Harrisburg through polycom. Special events are planned for select Executive Weekends, which may include leadership assessments, nationally recognized guest speakers, and luncheons for networking and community development. The online portion of the blended program includes weekly lessons, readings, podcasts, videos, live lectures, group projects, and much more. During the weeks in which there are no Executive Weekend sessions, students are engaged online through Blackboard, including synchronous and asynchronous lectures and discussion boards, and through individual and group projects. Second Year 5 th Quarter through 8 th Quarter Variation on instructional delivery methods, see instructional plan of study below. During the second year of the EdD program, students enroll in their concentration courses and research courses. The concentration courses are offered in a fully online format while the research courses are offered in a blended format. To accommodate for the different instructional delivery formats during the 5 th through 8 th Quarters, students are required to follow the instructional plan of study for second year of the EdD program. 5 th Quarter (Spring) One Executive Weekend Session, Week 5, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm During the spring quarter of the second year (5 th Quarter), students enroll in two concentration courses that are offered fully online. Students are required to attend one Executive Weekend session during Week 5 on Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm. During this Executive Weekend, EdD students take their Comprehensive Exam. The three-hour exam is conducted from 9:00 am to 12 noon. It is then followed by a luncheon with the Dean, EdD faculty, and other cohort students at the campus location. Following the luncheon, students attend a Candidacy session from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm to discuss in detail the dissertation process including the dissertation timeline and the process for requesting a Supervising Professor (Dissertation Advisor) and requesting Dissertation Committee members. Students will also have the opportunity to meet EdD faculty, who may potentially serve as Dissertation Advisors or committee members, to learn more about their research focus areas. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 8

Third Year 6 th Quarter (Summer) Two Executive Weekends Sessions, Weeks 1 and 10, Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm During the summer quarter of the second year (6 th Quarter), students enroll in one concentration course that is offered fully online and one research course that is offered in a blended format. During this summer quarter, students are required to attend two Executive Weekend sessions during Weeks 1 and 10 on Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm as part of the research course. The two Executive Weekend sessions provide opportunities for students to participate in lectures by research faculty and guest speakers; engage in small and large group discussions and projects; and deliver individual or group presentations regarding their research assignments. 7 th and 8 th Quarters (Fall and Winter) Three Executive Weekends Sessions, Weeks 1, 5, and 10 Saturday from 9 am to 3:00 pm During the fall and winter quarter of the second year (7 th and 8 th Quarter), students continue to enroll in one concentration course that is offered fully online and one research course that is offered in a blended format. However, during fall and winter quarters, students are required to attend three Executive Weekend sessions during Weeks 1, 5 and 10 on Saturday from 9 am to 3:00 pm as part of the research courses and in preparation of defending their dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2 and 3) in Week 10 of the 8th Quarter. The three Executive Weekend sessions provide opportunities for students to participate in lectures by research faculty and guest speakers; engage in small and large group discussions relating to the research courses and dissertation proposals; and deliver individual or group presentations regarding research and dissertation proposals. Variation on instructional delivery methods, see instructional plan of study below. 9 th Quarter (Spring) Three Executive Weekends Sessions, Weeks 1, 5, and 10, Saturday from 9 am to 3:00 pm During the spring quarter of the third year (9 th Quarter), students enroll in two research courses offered in a blended format. Students are required to attend three Executive Weekend sessions during Weeks 1, 5 and 10 on Saturday from 9 am to 3:00 pm as part of the research courses and for conducting their research. The three Executive Weekend sessions provide opportunities for students to participate in lectures by research faculty and guest speakers; engage in small and large group discussions relating to the research courses and dissertation proposals; and deliver individual or group presentations regarding their dissertation progress. 10 th Quarter through 12 th Quarter (Summer to Winter) TBD Details regarding meeting with Supervising Professors and dissertation committees will be available in the EdD Dissertation and EdD Students handbooks. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 9

A detailed overview of delivery of the courses in the third year will be provided in the EdD Student Handbook. Comprehensive Examination Drexel University s EdD program has one three-hour written Comprehensive exam that is scheduled for the 5 th Quarter (Spring) of the second year. Students are required to come to their campus location to complete the exam. The Comprehensive Examination covers the core content material from the first year in the EdD program. Details relating to the number of questions on the Comprehensive Exam will be available in the EdD Comprehensive Guidelines and Student EdD Handbook. To prepare for the Comprehensive Exam, students are enrolled in a Blackboard classroom where they have access to supporting documents, Wimba classrooms, and File Share. Details regarding the comprehensive exam will be included in the EdD Comprehensive Exam guidelines. Supervising Professor & Dissertation Proposal Defense Students request their dissertation Supervising Professor (dissertation advisor) no later than Week 2 of the 7 th Quarter (Fall). They must request their dissertation committee no later than Week 2 of the 8 th Quarter (Winter). All students must defend their dissertation proposals by Week 10 of the 9 th Quarter (Spring) in order to move on to the dissertation phase of the program. More detail regarding the dissertation process is included in the EdD Dissertation Handbook. Dissertation Design Drexel University s doctoral dissertation for the EdD program is practitioner-based and designed to engage students in action-oriented research. For the dissertation, students are to identify a current or emerging problem in their place of employment or field of study in which a research-based solution is needed. Students will have the unique opportunity to engage in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research with diverse faculty and practitioners. The EdD Dissertation Handbook will provide details about the dissertation including a checklist with examples of what must be included in each chapter to expedite the dissertation process. Drexel University s EdD program is designed to successfully prepare students for the dissertation in three year (phases/stages). Year 1: Students complete assignments in their first year courses that mirror sections of the dissertation. This provides students with a robust conceptual and practical understanding of the underpinnings of the dissertation and the dissertation process. Students also complete their IRB certification during the first year of the program as part of their research courses in preparation for the dissertation process. Students do not select a dissertation topic until the second year of the program. However, students are encouraged during the first year to focus their assignments within an area that may lead to a potential dissertation topic in the following year. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 10

Year 2: Students enroll in concentrations courses so they are engaged in current and emerging issues in their particular area of studies. Students request their dissertation Supervising Professor, request their dissertation committee, and defend their dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2, and 3). Information regarding the composition of the dissertation committee is in the EdD Dissertation Handbook. Year 3: Students work with their dissertation Supervising Professor and committee. Research is conducted, data is analyzed, and results and findings are prepared for Chapters 4 and 5. Students prepare for their dissertation defense. Finally, students also complete all necessary paperwork for graduation. Dissertation Format The department follows the writing style of the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (APA) (6th ed.) for the dissertation format. There will be five complete chapters (Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Findings and Results, and Discussion. Each chapter provides doctoral students with an opportunity to become actively engaged in their research and in developing potential solutions that will contribute knowledge and professional practices to their place of employment or field of student. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and overview of the identified problem. Chapter 2 provides a literature review including a historical and current contextual overview of the problem, detailed information about similar types of studies, and a theoretical framework for which the dissertation study will build. Chapter 3 provides the research methodology and Chapter 4 provides the findings and results. Chapter 5 provides discussion of interpretations, conclusions, implications, and recommendations. Role of Dissertation Advisor and Committee Members Students will work closely with a Supervisory Professor (dissertation advisor) and committee throughout the seventh and twelfth quarters. As previously shared, the EdD Dissertation Handbook provides students with important information about the dissertation timeline, layout, and formatting of the dissertation. The EdD Dissertation Handbook also provides details about the defense and publishing the dissertation through ProQuest/UMI. Students will have the unique opportunity to author and co-author with faculty articles based on their dissertation as well as present or co-present with faculty at conferences the findings and results of their research. In addition, under certain circumstances, the student s dissertation advisor [supervisory professor] or a faculty member may even require completion and submission of a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal. Dissertation Advisement Drexel s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management is a selective and highly accelerated program that requires an outstanding level of commitment. EdD students work closely with the local Program Director, Program Manager, and faculty throughout their enrollment. The Program Manager works directly with the EdD students primarily as an academic advisor. As such, the program manager oversees registration and plans of study, academic paperwork such as withdrawing and readmitting and disseminates general information regarding key calendar dates, deadlines and events. In addition, the program manager serves a first point of contact for questions or concerns with referral to other resources as necessary. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 11

In addition to a high-level of support from Drexel faculty and administrators, students have access to the EdD program's customized portal, an invaluable online resource of academic tools and information, and an important connection to fellow students through discussion boards and social networking opportunities. World Class Faculty Accomplished faculty and scholars teach EdD courses with extensive experience in education, administration, and leadership. These faculty include working professionals teaching in their area of expertise, who bring a depth of knowledge to the classroom built on the integration of the highest academic achievement and professional success. Student Support Services Drexel University provides extensive student services that support student success. The EdD program integrates student services related to research and the dissertation process into the curriculum. Guest speakers throughout the program include the Writing Center, Drexel Libraries, Office of Information Resources & Technology, and Steinbright Career Development Center. EdD students are also invited to attend on-campus and online events that support leadership and professional development provided by various Drexel divisions. Professional Affiliations Drexel University currently works with over 250 corporations, health systems, schools, and professional associations to offer high-quality degree programs to their employees and members at reduced tuition rates. Career Opportunities Today s educational administrators require superior expertise and competencies to lead complex organizations facing 21st century challenges. The mission of Drexel University s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management Program is to produce multi-disciplined individuals with the skills and knowledge to lead complex communities. EdD graduates become experts in the instructional, managerial, financial, and strategic aspects of leadership and are comfortable working within a fluid political and multicultural environment, shaped by new technologies. Above all, they are peopleoriented leaders with the energy and drive to motivate others to success. The EdD is an expansive, leading-edge program that will prepare students for a full range of educational opportunities connected to human and societal development, with a real understanding of the operations and responsibilities faced by rapidly changing, global learning environments. Drexel Alumni Graduates from the EdD program have the opportunity to become actively engaged with Drexel alumni. There are over 125,000 Drexel alumni worldwide. Drexel alumni have extensive benefits through various partnerships with corporations and organizations. Drexel alumni also have a lifetime of access to the Steinbright Career Development Center. Visit the Drexel Alumni website for more information. Note: Since University curricula, programs, and policies cannot be static in a changing environment, the EdD Program Overview and EdD Plan of Study is subject to change at any time. EdD Philadelphia Campus, Cohort 1, Spring 2011 12