MASTER'S DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION

With an Emphasis in Building Leadership License

July 1, 2006

STATEMENT OF STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The student has the responsibility of becoming familiar with the information contained in this Handbook, in the Graduate School section of the University Catalog, and for seeking guidance regarding requirements and policies.  Failure to comply may result in delays in licensure and/or graduation.

The faculty at Fort Hays State University believes that students are responsible and interested individuals concerned with their professional development.  These guidelines are designed to assist students in pursuing their goals in a timely and satisfying manner.

General Program Planning

The competencies to be developed in Educational Administration are of such nature that a planned program of sequential steps should be followed.  Those interested in Educational Administration should declare their intentions and pursue the standard program leading to a Master of Science Degree in Educational Administration. 

Phase I of the training program approximates one year of full-time graduate study and leads to the Master of Science in Educational Administration.  The minimum number of graduate semester hours is thirty-six (36) for the master's degree.

Building Leadership License

Individuals who have already obtained a Master’s Degree in another field will be required to complete the Building Leadership Licensure Program at Fort Hays State University.  For completion of the Building Leadership Licensure Program non-degree applicants may transfer the equivalent of nine (9) hours with approval from the program faculty.  Non-degree applicants will need to complete the remaining twenty-seven (27) hours from FHSU to receive an institutional verification from Fort Hays State University for a Building Leadership License.

The completion of this degree/licensure program provides the candidate with an opportunity to receive an institutional verification from Fort Hays State University to the Kansas State Department of Education for the “Conditional School Leadership License”.  Completion of the Conditional School Leadership License will allow a candidate to fulfill the role of a building principal or assistant principal in the state of Kansas.

Objectives of the Master's in Educational Administration Degree

The principal is the person responsible for all the activities that occur in and around the school building.  It is the principal's leadership that sets the tone of the school, the climate for learning, the level of professionalism and morale of teachers, and the degree of concern for what students may or may not become.  School leaders must demonstrate competency in the following standards as developed by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC):

STANDARD 1. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

STANDARD 2. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by advocating, nurturing, and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

STANDARD 3. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by ensuring management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.

STANDARD 4. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.

STANDARD 5. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.

STANDARD 6. A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

Admission to the Master's Degree in Educational Administration Program

Each applicant for the Master's Degree in Educational Administration must apply to:

Graduate School
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS  67601-4099
Tel: 785-628-4236
Fax: 785-628-4479
gradschool@fhsu.edu

Online Application for Admission:

                                                www.fhsu.edu/gradschl/

As of July 1, 2006 admission to the Master's Degree in Educational Administration program is based on the following criteria:

1. Completion of the Miller's Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE):

Points are earned for scores 378 and above for the MAT or an average of 400 for the three GRE scores.  The Test Score Must Be On File In The Graduate Office BEFORE Action Will Be Taken On The Application.  Test information and practice test booklets can be obtained from the Kelley Center (Picken Hall 308) or by telephoning (785-628-4401) or www.fhsu.edu/kellycenter/testing/tdates.shtml

**Implementation of the new scaled scores for the MAT effective December 1, 2004

2. Grade Point Average (Last 60 hours of undergraduate credit):

The applicant holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.00.  The GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate credit is calculated.

3. Educational Experience (Refer to #4):

A consistent predictor of educational success is previous educational success.  This criterion provides points for teaching and related educational endeavors.

4. References (include 2):

The applicant must submit two references from supervisors and/or professional peers; at least one reference must be submitted from a supervisor of the educational experiences cited in number three.

5. Vita/Resume:

The applicant must submit a resume or vita of education and professional experiences.

6. Professional Goal Statement:

The applicant must submit a brief statement of professional goals related to completion of the master's degree and/or certification as a school administrator.

7. Evidence of Certification in Public/Private Schools:

Applicants must submit a copy of certification in the public/private schools.

8. Official Transcripts:

The applicant must submit official transcripts of all college work completed and documentation of a degree conferral.

9. Approval of the Application:

The Master's Degree Committee in the Department of Educational Administration approves the application after a review of the applicant's file.  An applicant must score a total of 700 points or above on items, #1, #2, & #3 and include the items #4-#8.  Action of the committee will be a forwarded to the Dean of the Graduate School with a recommendation of approval or denial.

10.            With a recommendation of approval, the committee chair in the area of specialization appoints an advisor and designates a graduate committee responsible for developing the student's program of study.

11. Applicants who are denied admission to the program should consider one or more of the following:

*    Retake the Miller Analogy Test (MAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

*    Complete an additional year of educational experience

      NOTE:  A maximum of three years of educational experience is credited.

*    File an appeal to be admitted via a personal interview

12.            A maximum of nine (9) graduate hours may be transferred with approval of the Graduate School and the departmental review.

Masters of Science: Educational Administration

A program of 36 semester hours of graduate study shall include some credit in each of the following core areas:

NOTE: For completion of the Building Leadership Licensure Program non-degree applicants may transfer the equivalent of nine (9) hours with approval from the program faculty.  Non-degree applicants will need to complete the remaining twenty-seven (27) hours from FHSU to receive an institutional verification from Fort Hays State University for a Building Leadership License.

Requirements for Completion of the Master's in Education Degree

1. A program of 36 graduate hours on an approved degree program must be completed beyond the bachelor's degree.
2. An application for Admission to Candidacy must be filed with the Graduate Office upon successful completion of at least nine (9) hours of graduate study with the approval of the major advisor.
3. The student who plans to graduate at the end of a given semester or summer term must file an "Intent to Graduate" at the time of the enrollment or before the posted deadline for filing. 
4. The student must present a GPA of 3.25 or above in all graduate course work.
5. Each applicant for a graduate degree must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination over the subject fields of the program.  The applicant must be admitted to candidacy before being eligible to take the comprehensive examination.  Normally the comprehensive examination is taken upon the completion of all courses in the program of study or during the final semester of enrollment.  The student must satisfactorily pass the written comprehensive examination which shall not exceed eight (8) hours.
6. All graduate courses in a program for a Master's in Education degree must be completed within six (6) calendar years.

Master's Degree Research

The Master's Degree in Educational Administration does not require a thesis.  However, a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate credit including a research course in which research methods are taught and in which a research paper, a research project or creative work is assigned and completed is required.

Master's Degree Comprehensive Examinations

Each applicant for a graduate degree and each applicant for a non-degree building leadership license must satisfactorily pass a comprehensive examination over the subject fields of the program.  The degree seeking applicant must be admitted to candidacy before being eligible to take the comprehensive examination.  Normally the comprehensive is taken upon the completion of all courses in the program of study or during the final semester of enrollment.  The Educational Administration Department will determine the content of the examination.  The comprehensive examination will consist of two separate written examinations: 

(1)  PRAXIS II Subject Assessment consisting of Test Code 10410 Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision.  This test is intended to assess a candidate’s knowledge of the functions of an administrator, including the background information needed to implement these functions.  The test is designed to capture what is essential about the role of school leaders—what makes the difference in whether a school community can provide experiences that ensure all students succeed.  The 120 multiple-choice questions cover five content areas: determining educational needs, curriculum design and instructional improvement, staff development and program evaluation, school management, and individual and group leadership skills.  The test questions are structured to measure knowledge and cognitive skills in application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation as described in Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives.  This test is two hours in length.  This is a nationally standardized test administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).  Candidates must register online at www.ets.org/praxis All test dates are scheduled for Saturdays.  The test has a registration deadline that is approximately one month prior to the day of the test. There is a fee for the test and a separate fee for the registration of the test. Further information on the test may be obtained from the FHSU Kelly Center (Picken Hall 308) or by telephoning (785-628-4401) or www.fhsu.edu/kellycenter    

(2)  Standards-based Case Studies in School Leadership This test will consist of thought provoking and problem-based school scenarios which will assess the effective practice of candidates in their role as a school principal.  Candidates will be expected to address the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards (ISLLC) and apply the standards to real situations in the principal’s day-to-day professional life.  The case studies are constructed to include general background on the school setting, several documents that further define the issues, and focused questions.  Candidates will be expected to consider the ISLLC Standards and apply their understanding of the ISLLC Standards in their response.  This test is four hours in length.

To receive an institutional verification from Fort Hays State University to the Kansas State Department of Education, applicants for a Building Leadership endorsement must complete the Fort Hays State University approved Building Leadership Program and have a total of 36 graduate hours.

Steps in Obtaining a Conditional School Leadership License

1. A candidate completes the approved Building Leadership Licensure Program and earns a master’s degree (or already has a master’s degree).
2. Candidate must achieve a passing score of 165 on the ETS Content Assessment for Building Leadership (School Leaders Licensure Assessment—SLLA). Register for the SLLA exam at www.ets.org
3. Candidate secures a position as a Principal or Assistant Principal.
4. Candidate applies for a “Conditional School Leadership License”.  This is KSDE Form 1 “Application for Kansas Conditional License or Added Endorsements” available only from the FHSU Licensure Office.  Return the completed form to FHSU Licensure Office, Rarick Hall 220, with the $36 application fee.

Each applicant for a conditional school leadership license shall submit to the state board the following:

1. An official transcript verifying the granting of a graduate degree;
2. Verification from an accredited institution by the unit head or designee of completion of a graduate level school leadership program;
3. Verification of a minimum 3.25 GPA in graduate coursework;
4. Verification of successful completion of a school leadership assessment as determined by the state board;
5. Verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight semester hours of recent credit;
6. An application for conditional school leadership license;
7. The licensure fee; and
8. Verification of three years of experience in a state-accredited school while holding a professional teaching license, a professional school specialist license, a professional clinical license, or a full vocational-technical certificate.

5. The Conditional School Leadership License application is sent to KSDE by the FHSU Licensure Office.  KSDE will mail the license directly to the candidate.  Allow 4-6 weeks for processing the application.

Steps in Obtaining a Professional School Leadership License

1. Candidate enrolls for two full semesters of supervised internship beyond the approved graduate Building Leadership Program.
2. Candidate completes the two full semesters of supervised internship and then contacts the FHSU Licensure Office for an application for a “Professional School Leadership License”.

Each applicant for a professional school leadership license shall submit to the state board the following: 

1. Verification of successful completion in a state-accredited school of the school leadership performance assessment prescribed by the state board;
2. verification of at least one year of recent accredited experience or at least eight   semester hours of recent credit;
3. an application for professional school leadership license; and
4. the license fee.

3. Candidate applies for a “Professional School Leadership License”.  This is KSDE Form 19 “Application for Kansas Upgrade from Conditional School leadership License to Professional School leadership License” available from the FHSU Licensure Office.  Return the completed form to FHSU Licensure Office, Rarick Hall 220, with the $36 application fee.
4. The Professional School Leadership License application is sent to KSDE by FHSU Licensure Office.  KSDE will mail the license directly to the candidate.  Allow KSDE 4-6 weeks for processing the application.

For questions related to licensure applicants are advised to contact the Licensure Specialist in the College of Education and Technology, Rarick Hall 220 (785-628-4542).

A.  ETS Content Assessment: PRAXIS Series

1. The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) requires a passing score of 165 on the ETS Content Assessment for Building Leadership (School Leaders Licensure     Assessment –SLLA).

2. PRAXIS Test Dates at Fort Hays State University

    The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SSLA) has an individual registration date and a separate registration form that needs to be completed and mailed to ETS.  You may fill out the form in the registration book or register on-line a   http://www.ets.org/sls  The School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) is tentatively scheduled to be administered at Hays once in the Fall semester and once in the Spring semester.   For more information, contact the Licensure Officer, in Rarick Hall 220 or 785-628-4542 or the FHSU Coordinator of Testing Services at 785-628-4401.   

The PRAXIS Test dates are available at  www.fhsu.edu/kellycenter/testing/tdates.shtml

3. FREE Content Test Preparation Material

   The School Leadership Series Tests at a Glance. This includes a description of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards, sample questions with scored, annotated responses, and test-taking strategies.  You may Download Tests at a Glance by going to http://www.ets.org/sls/index.html and clicking on the “Test Preparation” link.

4. Priced Content Test Preparation Material

   The School Leaders Licensure Assessment Study Kit. The study guide contains four

   sample tests and actual scored candidate responses with comments by the Chief

   Readers for all four tests.  You may obtain a Study Kit by calling 1-800-537-3161 or

   order online from the ETS Store at http://www.ets.org/

5. Test Center Regulations

     Please take special notice of the “Test Center Regulations” as noted in The School

     Leadership Series: Registration Bulletin.  The Registration Bulletin is available at:    

     www.ets.org/sls/ 

A test center supervisor is authorized to dismiss you from a test session and/or your

scores   may be canceled by ETS for infractions stated in the Registration Bulletin.  Be sure to make yourself familiar with the test regulations provided by ETS as listed in the Registration Bulletin.  There are multiple regulations listed in the Registration Bulletin but be sure to take notice of the following regulations.

Your scores will be canceled for the following infractions:

• Leaving the test center during the test session (you are not allowed to leave the test session even if you complete the test early)
• Leaving the testing room before the test session is dismissed (except for unscheduled breaks during the test session).

The School Leader Licensure Assessment (SLLA) test day is approximately from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM with a lunch break.  If you arrive at the test center after the reporting time(s) listed, you may not be admitted to the test session.

B. Graduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

The Building Leadership Program has a requirement of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in ALL graduate coursework that must be met when applying for conditional or professional endorsements at KSDE.

C.    Internship 

Beginning September 1, 2004 candidates applying for Building Leadership Endorsement must complete a one-year internship (performance assessment) before obtaining a professional endorsement.  You do not enroll in the internship until you have obtained your first position as an administrator.  The internship will be two semesters (Fall and Spring) in length. 

MASTER'S DEGREE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

803. EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH. (3) A study of the nature and complexities of the educational research process.  Identification and completion of any approved educational research project is a course requirement. 

850. SCHOOL LAW. (3) A study of basic legal considerations for Kansas educators including rules governing the operation of schools with practical applications of legislation and court decisions. 

851. SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL. (3) A study of the building principal's supervision and evaluation responsibilities with an emphasis on modern evaluation and supervision techniques, improvement of instruction, and selection of personnel.

854. EDUCATIONAL FINANCE. (3) A study of the fundamental principles and techniques of financing public schools and the business administration of school systems.

855. EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP. (3) This course is designed to explore the nature of leadership in educational organizations by examining the approaches to leadership and analyzing the various styles of leadership.  Students are exposed to leadership activities, which range from theory to practical application.

856. SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS. (3) A study of the techniques and media that school administrators and teachers may use in the two-way process of keeping the public informed and receiving information from the community.

859. CURRICULUM PLANNING & EVALUATION (PK-12). (3) An in-depth study of leadership in curriculum and assessment program planning, development and evaluation.  The emphasis of the course is on the examination of the curriculum planning process and the development of assessment literacy skills necessary to lead school improvement.

875. SEMINAR IN EDUCATION II: DATA ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT. (3)  This course will focus on data-driven decision making and the evaluation of educational assessments.  Students will learn how to gather, analyze, and properly use data to meet the needs of all students and create a culture of collective responsibility for student learning. 

875. SEMINAR IN EDUCATION II: INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION. (3) This course is designed to assist prospective school leaders in understanding the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium  standards and reflect on the skills and attributes needed to put them into practice.

875. SEMINAR IN EDUCATION II: SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL LEADERS. (3) This course includes the study of procedures employed in organizing and administering programs in special education.  Practical information on how to provide support and services to students with disabilities and how to supervise teachers of students with disabilities will be addressed.

875. SEMINAR IN EDUCATION II: CAMP ALDRICH. (3) A critical study of selected problems relating to the educational area under consideration.  (See webpage: www.fhsu.edu/eac/seminar/) (Select any three.)

879. PRACTICUM IN EDUCATION II: BUILDING LEADER (PRINCIPAL). (3) This course is designed to relate theory to practice in a realistic fashion.  The student is placed in a situation where experiences may be obtained relating directly or indirectly to the area being studied.  Requisite: permission required.