(EDL 650) Foundations of Special Education Administration

Syllabus of Record

Prerequisites: None

Catalog Description:

Theories of educational leadership will be explored. Federal regulations and state rules pertinent to special education programming will be examined. Candidates will participate in simulations, presentations and group discussions designed to provide information about, and insight into, effective leadership and management of special education programs and services.

The COE Conceptual Framework

Mission: “Teaching, Leading and Learning in a Democratic Society”

The College of Education prepares candidates who enhance the individual growth of their students while working to establish policies and practices that promote the principles of democratic education. The College articulates this mission as Teaching, Leading, and Learning in a Democratic Society.

Values: “Expertise, Equity, Liberal Education, Social Responsibility

The College of Education values expertise to guide our practice, equity to guide our interactions, liberal education to guide our perspectives, and social responsibility to guide our commitment to democratic education. We value these ideals in our preparation of candidates, our development of faculty, and our relationships with the larger community we serve.

Philosophy: Student Potential, Ethical Implications

Believing that schools function as social and political entities as well as for the growth of individuals, the College of Education prepares teachers and leaders a) to enhance the academic and personal potential of their students, and b) to evaluate the social and ethical implications of educational policies and practices.

Common Program Standards:

This course supports the competencies required by the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education for approval as a Supervisor and Director of Special Education, and the professional standards established by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), a constituent member of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Specialty Program Standards(CEC):

Standard 1: Leadership and Policy

ACC1K2Evidence-based theories of organizational and educational leadership

ACC1K4National and state education laws and regulations

SA1K1Models, theories, and philosophies that provide the foundation for the administration of programs and services for individuals with exceptional learning needs and their families

SA1K2Historical and social significance of the laws, regulations, and policies as they apply to the administration of programs and the provision of services for individuals with exceptional learning needs and their families

Standard 3: Research and Inquiry

SA3K1Research in administrative practices that supports individuals with exceptional learning needs and their families

SA3S2Develops data-based educational expectations and evidence-based programs that account for the impact of diversity on individuals with exceptional learning needs and their families

Standard 5: Professional Development and Ethical Practice

ACC5K2Moral and ethical responsibilities of educators

SA5K1Ethical theories and practices as they apply to the administration of programs and services with exceptional learning needs and their families

ACC5S1Model ethical behavior and promote professional standards

ACC5S3Use ethical and legal discipline strategies

Standard 6: Collaboration

ACC6S2Apply strategies to resolve conflict and build consensus

SA6S7Engages in leadership practices that support shared decision making

Objectives:

By the end of the course, the candidate will demonstrate knowledge and skill in these areas:

-Theoretical framework for educational leadership

-Administrative behavior related to effectiveness, conflict management and management theory

-Historical development of special education, including federal and state legislation

-Leadership and management of special education programs and services

Major Topics:

Theories of Educational Leadership

Collaborative Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Conflict Management

Section 504

Special Education Legislation

Individuals with Disabilities Act

Michigan Mandatory Special Education Act

Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education

Student Discipline

Chairing the IEP Team Meeting

Homebound/Hospitalized Services

Auxiliary Services Act

Michigan’s State Performance Plan for Special Education

Methods of Evaluation:

60%- Three short essay examinations

25%- Research Paper- Educational Leadership Theory

15%- Group Presentation- Selected educational leadership theory

10%- Participation and small group work

Suggested Text:

Crockett, J., Billingsley, B., & Boscardin, M. (Eds.)(2012). Handbook of leadership and administration for special education.New York, NY: Routledge.

Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2003).The leadership challenge. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Northouse, P. (2010).Leadership theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.