School (Grades PK-12) Administration Emphasis Area
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating from this program will:
- use multiple data sources to describe school climate and culture including demographic information regarding students, faculty, and community;
- develop a school improvement plan based on data and aligned with best practices;
- communicate effectively with all stakeholders: students, staff, parents, community and central office administration;
- engage in activities and best practices related to both formative and summative assessments to promote instructional improvement; and
- identify legal implications related to school operations involving all stakeholders: students, staff, parents, community members, and central office administration.
Students begin their program of study with a cohort group of other potential school leaders and will take a series of 3-credit-hour block courses. Each cohort will work collaboratively throughout its studies and be led by University faculty.
Students will complete both individual and group projects, over the course of their degree program, and participate in field experiences each semester. While the three-block sequence is intended for school leaders at every level, it is expected that students will tailor their elective coursework and their culminating experience (practicum) to the building level at which they hold their teaching credentials.
Students who complete the master of arts in educational administration may be recommended for initial certification as a school leader for Missouri. Passing scores on all required state assessments are required for principal certification in the state of Missouri. Candidates are subject to any Missouri legislative action or State Board of Education policy that may become effective during the lifetime of this catalog.
Admissions Requirements
- Official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Three letters of recommendation, with one recommendation from the applicant’s direct building supervisor
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs that do not meet this threshold may be considered on the strength of their letters of recommendation.
- CV or resume, including evidence of at least three years of teaching experience
- Candidates for School Leader K-12 certification licensure must possess a valid Missouri teacher certificate. Applicants must submit their Missouri teaching license or a statement of one’s ability to obtain it.
Applicants who are interested in joining the UMKC Pathways to Leadership in Urban Schools (PLUS) program will also be asked to participate in a full-day interview.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical and Functional Aspects of Educational Administration | ||
| EDUC-UL 5501 | Foundations Of School Leadership & Organization (Block I) 1 | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5502 | Building Administration And Management (Block II) 1 | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5503 | Student, Staff And Organization Development (Block III) 1 | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5507 | Instructional Supervision | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5515 | Governmental And Legal Aspects Of Education | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5518 | Leadership for School Improvement | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5520 | Data Driven Leadership for Reculturing Schools | 3 |
| EDUC-UL 5574 | Administrative Practicum | 3 |
| Related and Supporting Areas | ||
| Research - Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Principles And Methods Of Research | ||
| Curriculum - Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction To Curriculum Theory | ||
| Curriculum Design | ||
| EDUC-UL 5525 | Cultural Foundations Of Education | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
- 1
EDUC-UL 5501, EDUC-UL 5502 and EDUC-UL 5503 must be taken sequentially.