Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDG 6150 |
Innovative Practices for District Administrator Leadership
This course explores the role of the district administrator as a strategic and ethical leader within complex educational systems. Grounded in the Wisconsin Administrator Standards, students analyze the social, political, and economic forces influencing district leadership and apply research-based practices to governance, planning, and organizational improvement. Emphasizing servant leadership, the course prepares students to lead with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to service while advancing excellence, equity, and continuous improvement across the district. The focus is on strategic leadership, ethical governance, and data-driven decision-making that improve equity, operational efficiency, and student achievement. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will gain the knowledge and skills to lead districts with purpose, flexibility, and impact in a rapidly evolving educational environment. | 3 |
| EDG 6155 |
Ethical Leadership in Action: Serving School Districts with Purpose
This course trains students to make ethical and responsible decisions as district administrators. By integrating core concepts, theories, and philosophies of ethical leadership with practical use, students examine the role of district leaders in promoting student success with integrity, fairness, and accountability. Focus is on understanding professional codes of ethics, standards for district leadership, and the importance of student well-being in all decisions. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, students build skills to lead honestly, respect civil and human rights, and promote ethical, transparent, and servant-focused leadership in their school communities. | 3 |
| EDG 6160 |
Organizational Leadership: Leading Complex School Systems
A systems approach to organizational leadership enables district administrators to positively influence school governance, student learning, assessment, faculty and staff development, and community engagement. Effective organizational and policy development is key to successful district leadership. This course explores both theoretical frameworks and their practical application while engaging students in discussions of contemporary and sometimes controversial issues that impact district-level leadership. Collaborative dialogue and critical conversations between students and the instructor foster the development of innovative ideas and practical solutions. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead and manage a district in ways that promote student success and support the professional growth of their teams. | 3 |
| EDG 6165 |
Continuous Improvement Planning for District Administrators
This course guides students in developing a Continuous District-Wide Improvement Plan (CDIP) tailored to their district. Students learn to analyze district data to create a shared vision, build a collaborative learning community, and implement processes that boost teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes. Emphasis is placed on using data-driven decision-making to foster a culture of continuous improvement, strategic alignment, and equitable achievement across the district. Through applied projects and reflective practice, students develop the skills needed to lead meaningful, sustainable change as district administrators. | 3 |
| EDG 6170 |
Effective Communication and Public Relations for Educational Impact
Regardless of district size, the district administrator acts as the main public liaison, representing the governing board while advocating for students' best interests and engaging diverse stakeholder groups. This course examines the principles, philosophies, and strategies of effective public relations in educational settings. Students learn to use communication to strengthen school-community relationships, improve student achievement, and address the educational, political, social, and cultural factors unique to their districts. Emphasizing best practices and applied strategies, the course aims to equip district administrators with skills to lead with transparency, collaboration, and impact. | 3 |
| EDG 6175 |
Educational Facility Planning and Management
This course provides district administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to plan, evaluate, and manage educational facilities effectively. Topics include capital budgeting, needs assessments, on-site facility evaluations, literature review, oversight of remodeling projects, bidding processes, referendums, and integrating staff and community input. Students also learn about compliance with state and federal facility standards. Emphasis is placed on hands-on, practical experience, enabling participants to research, analyze, and implement professional facility planning methods that improve learning environments and support district-wide educational goals. | 3 |
| EDG 7130 |
Applied District Leadership: Practicum I
This course is the first of two practicum experiences designed to give students practical exposure to the duties of a district administrator. Using a hands-on, research-based approach, students observe and participate in administrative tasks under the guidance of an experienced, successful district administrator. Assignments, such as reflection papers and applied activities, help students analyze how the administrator enhances learning, organizational efficiency, and leadership. Students must attend and reflect on at least two school board meetings, connecting governance with district-level leadership practice and preparing for ongoing experiential learning in the next practicum. | 1 |
| EDG 7131 |
Applied District Leadership: Practicum II
This course is the second of two practicum experiences designed to deepen students’ hands-on engagement with the full responsibilities of a district administrator. Building on the foundational experiences from Practicum I, students undertake more complex administrative tasks, including leadership decision-making, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Assignments, reflective practice, and project-based activities enable students to analyze the effectiveness of their leadership strategies, connect theory with practice, and evaluate district-wide initiatives. Attendance and reflection on school board meetings continue to offer insight into governance, policy implementation, and district-level leadership. By the end of the practicum, students are equipped to demonstrate the competencies, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective district administration. | 2 |
| EDG 7135 |
Professional Portfolio: District Administration
The District Administrative Portfolio is a final professional experience designed to show a student’s readiness for district-level leadership. Students identify and apply the key components of the Wisconsin Administrative Standards and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards, integrating the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for effective district administration. Through reflection on field experiences, professional artifacts, and prior coursework, students analyze their personal leadership growth, assess how well their work aligns with performance expectations, and create a comprehensive, professionally organized electronic portfolio. This project serves as a capstone demonstration of leadership competence, reflective practice, and preparation for assuming the responsibilities of a district administrator. | 0 |
| **Residency Component = Required face-to-face meeting on first and last Saturday of course | ||
| Total Hours | 21 | |
