In-Person Courses

In-depth examination of fundamental mathematical concepts and subject-specific pedagogy, focusing on whole numbers and their operations, algebraic thinking in the early grades, and measurement. Content emphasizes and integrates state and national standards, problem-solving approaches, use of manipulatives and technology, current research and learning theory.

Students will explore the 1) theoretical and practical basis to contemporary human resource administration in education with a focus on school and central office level leadership and 2) the theories, policies, and expenditures of school funds. Human resource topics will include legal issues, global staffing challenges, internal and external recruitment strategies, selection interviews, equal employment opportunities, and retention strategies. Study of fiscal leadership addresses the practice of educational finance within the public school structure; funding of private schools will also be addressed. Topics of school budget, financial accounting, purchasing and supply problems, school equipment, and school insurance will be studied. Funding mechanisms at the federal, state, and local levels will be reviewed. This course is designed to reflect Virginia¿s Uniform Performance Standards for Principals with specific performance standards related to organizational operations concerning human resources and fiscal leadership.

Students will apply their coursework to modern education settings and reflect on where and how the lessons and theory from those courses are relevant to working and leading in today's schools. This includes assessing how and where strategies and ideas explored in previous coursework can be infused into school leadership.

Study of how change theory supports the successful implementation of positive change in school settings. Study includes identifying new needs and trends in schools and education policy, equity measures that support the success of all students, and preparing for and successfully embracing change. Students will explore demographic shifts, shifts in student needs, the evolving relationship between schools and their greater communities, new policies, and successful transitions involving policy, personnel, and student body.