Advisory Board

Initiatives

The Department of Education Policy & Leadership:
Advisory Board

Initiatives and Accomplishments of the Department of Education Policy and Leadership  

Spring 2011

Programs:

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - Principal Certification

The first cohort of 11 students successfully completed the program in August 2011. All students passed their certification exam. All students assumed additional leadership roles on their campuses including team leader, department chair, and Campus Improvement Committee chair. Two students assumed formal leadership roles; one as a principal in a small religious school and one as an elementary assistant principal.

The second cohort includes 21 new students and one continuing student. Selectivity was strong for this cohort because over 50 applications were received. Progress through the program is going very well. Additional mentor orientation is assisting students in having access to more in-depth campus experiences in internships.

New Programs: Two new degree programs at the Master's level help propel our quest to provide excellence in leadership preparation for those who serve students in early childhood through age 21.

The department received approval for two new degree programs to launch in 2011 at the SMU Board of Trustees meeting in December 2010. Course development and additional hiring are underway

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - Urban School Leadership - Principal Certification:

This degree program is known as the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Urban Leadership, and has been developed by The Teaching Trust and The Department of Education Policy and Leadership through their partnership in the Ed Entrepreneur Center (EEC).

The degree is a two-year program that includes a supervised residency under a mentor trained through the EEC. Content is focused on the most current evidence-based practices for preparing candidates for success in challenging urban settings. For more details about the Urban Specialization, please visit www.smu.edu/UrbanMEd

For more information about the Ed Entrepreneur Center programs, of which the degree program is one, see EEC.aspx

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Specialization

This degree is focused on the most current evidence-based practices in preparing leaders for college and university settings particularly those professionals working in student affairs divisions and other service areas of the university like financial aid. The courses are being developed with the assistance of the SMU student affairs administration and administrators for the Dallas County Community College system. Here is a link to the details on the new M.Ed in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education. M_Ed_Higher_Ed.aspx

Ph.D. Educational Leadership Specialization

The Ph.D. program is a full time school-wide program with specializations in the areas of Teaching and Learning and Applied Physiology. In Fall 2011, a specialization in Educational Leadership will be offered. Most specialization courses are implemented in the second year of the program. Here is a link to the courses the department is developing for the Ph.D. program. EPLSpecialization.aspx