EDU 7435 Field Experience IV for Accountable Leaders
Field Experience IV is conducted during the fourth and final semester of the program. Distributed leadership will be studied as a necessary component of building a strong culture of shared decision making and accountability for the academic, social, and emotional development of all children. Candidates will focus on the principles, strategies, and techniques utilized to enhance student learning and close achievement gaps through in-depth data analysis and interpretation for all aspects of the school organization. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will be explored as a tool to encourage teacher leaders and for the advancement of academic achievement for all students. Parental involvement in the decision making process will be encouraged. Areas of interest will include: student learning, effective teaching, connecting students and community resources, and analyzing problems other than academic related. Observation of and interaction with school leader(s) are required. The Capstone Colloquium featuring each candidate's action research project conducted over the preceding three semesters will be presented to a juried panel. This project involves material learned and assignments experienced throughout the coursework and the guided action research completed in LEA schools.